Let's talk ... life - My daughter is having school work problem
published: Saturday | April 15, 2006

Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson

Dear Counsellor:

My teenage daughter is having problems with her school work. She is functioning below her potential.

­ Mary

Dear Mary:

There are many reasons why students are not performing to their level. An assessment of your daughter's skills, strengths and weaknesses would be able to help. School work is challenging and tiring. Parents need to organise their work, and likewise, the offspring need to organise their school work. They need to have an assignment schedule and a study timetable. They need to have their research done so they can write their essays and answer the questions. Making good use of the library with the encyclopaedias and Internet is a wonderful idea.

School work should be viewed as tasks set for students to complete. Students should have a special place to study and should do some reading every night. The bright students realise that daily work is important and they should not become complacent with the good grades. A positive mindset and willingness to put in a lot of effort in their work will pay off in the long run. Students should realise that self-learning is important and should be keen to set themselves tasks and goals.

Practising examination type questions is mandatory and is very worthwhile. Bringing home consistently good grades should be the goal of all students. Students must have pride in their achievements and strive for excellence.

Some students need individual tutoring or extra lessons to get the extra marks needed. Education is expensive and students should endeavour to get good grades. Many students love to party and don't get enough sleep. Sleep is important to rest and heal the brain and the body. Good nutrition is also important. Breakfast in the morning is associated with good grades. One needs a balance in one's activities.

Group study or studying with a partner can be helpful to some people. One has to be careful as this can result in time wasting. Students can test each other and mark each other's essays or answers. Teachers should be sought out to explain topics in a subject.

I am unhappy

Dear Counsellor:

I get episodes of depression sometimes. I worry a lot and get nervous. Sometimes my depression has no triggers and I become negative in my outlook on life. My depression leaves me with lack of energy, drive, motivation and enthusiasm. It makes me less productive and restless. I pray a lot about my condition.

­ Jennifer

Dear Jennifer:

Having a variety of moods is a part of life. Sometimes we are happy and another time we have sad episodes. These episodes don't usually last for long periods and many resolve on their own. You need to see the psychiatrist for evaluation and management. Many people are not aware of what the psychiatrist does. The psychiatrist will do a medical assessment, a psychological assessment, prescribe medication and offer counselling. Depression is one of the commonest medical disorders and is treatable. Many people get severe episodes of depression and have to be maintained on medication and therapy.

We need to build up our support system so that we have close friends and relatives to help us. It is helpful to speak with friends and relatives who will encourage you and cheer you up. Individuals can do various activities that bring fun and enjoyment.

One should assess the stressors in our lives and devise a programme to deal with them. Sometimes events occur over which we have no control. We need to have patience and tolerance to cope with life issues. Perseverance and persistence are necessary to weather the storms. When you are feeling down, you should count your many blessings and the mood will pass. When we become thankful our attitude becomes positive and we begin to see the good things that are happening to us. When we get negative we tend to generalise and catastrophise about events and things. We also personalise everything and become preoccupied with assumed negativity. When we become depressed our thinking becomes disturbed and we selectively focus on the negative aspects of life.

Remember the lesson to be learnt from the glass that is seen as either half-full or half-empty.

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Dr. Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson; El Shaddai Medical Centre; 9274824; yvonniebd@hotmail.com