Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson

Dear Counsellor:

I have noticed that my son is not as bright as his sisters and he is not at his grade level in his academics. Iam concerned about this and I am seeking your help.

– Mary-Jane

Dear Mary-Jane:

Learning problems are common among schoolchildren. There are many reasons for this. Personnel in the education system have recognised that there are problems and are trying to make changes.

As a parent, you need to be assertive and be aware of the limitations and deficiencies of the system. Have your son assessed to determine what his problems are.

Boys tend to develop later than girls academically and so it is usually challenging at the primary level. Assessment will help to tell you whether your son has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and/or a learning disability.

Mild mental retardation is also a common cause of learning problems. The psychiatric evaluation will help to formulate appropriate intervention for your son.

Some children get depressed or anxious and this influences their school performance. Vision and hearing testing are important, as well as medical evaluations. Good nutrition is also critical.

Some children are not motivated to do well in school and so do not function at their full potential. Lack of interest and under-stimulation may also affect school performance.

Child abuse survivor

Dear Counsellor:

I was sexually abused as a child by a relative and since then, I have tended to be nervous in new situations, timid and unassertive. I would like help to deal with depression and anxiety.

–Joan

Dear Joan:

It is unfortunate that sexual abuse and rape are features of society. Twenty-five per cent of females and 20 per cent of males have been abused. If the trauma was not dealt with at the time, the complications can persist into adulthood.

You have to go to a psychiatrist to get the therapy you need. Issues to be addressed including esteem, boundaries, trust and relationship.

Individuals who have been abused have difficulty in trusting others and in building relationships. There is a child within all of us who needs to be comforted, cared for and nurtured.

Self-care is important and we have to learn to love ourselves. The victims are usually told that they are no good and that they participated in the activity. This causes victims to feel guilty and fearful.

Dealing with the guilt in therapy can help individuals cope better. In therapy, you are helped to mourn the fact that you were abused and that this has impacted on you severely.

Depression and anxiety are treatable conditions. Treatment involves medication and therapy. Depression can be mild or severe and can be associated with suicidal activity. Victims sometimes get suicidal ideation and this needs to be dealt with in therapy.

Generalised anxiety, panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder are often seen in individuals who have been sexually abused. The treatment is effective and is to be encouraged.

There is recovery from sexual abuse and so, childhood trauma should be reported and early intervention should be made.

■ Phone Dr. Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at 978-8602 or 791-1778, or email yvonniebd@hotmail.com.