Identifying Existential Depression Among Gifted Children

When it comes to the likelihood of having depression, gifted children are no different from their peers. Circumstances or aspects that could trigger the onset of this psychological disorder among the latter could also affect them in a similar fashion. But what sets gifted children apart is the fact that aside from these, they could also become depressed over existentialist matters revolving around death or the profound meaning of life. Contrary to the consolable grief that follows after kids experience traumatic events such as losing a pet, having existentialist depression cannot be consoled easily since it does not necessarily require a trigger to begin with.

In Search of a Meaning

Confronted with existentialist issues delving into life, death, illness, and freedom gives rise to existentialist depression. People who suffer from this type of depression find themselves drifting aimlessly through a meaningless existence. Questioning the viability and significance of one's life usually occurs after experiencing tragic events in the likes of losing a loved one through death. However, with existentialist depression a trigger is not always necessitated. Since such matters require substantial thought and profound reflection, gifted people, who inherently possess such kind of mental acuity, are prone to suffer from existentialist depression.

Giftedness is an inborn quality. Early on, gifted children are inclined to become natural idealists, with an ability to ponder on possibilities and effects concerning circumstantial events or typical life experiences. But with such a probing mind comes the dismal realization of how life and the world itself are not measuring up to ideal standards. And because gifted children are more intense and sensitive compared to others, coming face to face with this truth easily leaves them vulnerable to getting frustrated and disappointed once they realize the strangeness, inconsistencies, and unreasonableness of society in general and in the way the people around them behave.

Perfectionist Inclination and Extreme Sensitivity

Gifted children become vulnerable to depression because of two important contributing factors: perfectionism and emotional sensitivity—a natural predilection to discuss and realize existentialist issues dealing with death, dying, life, loneliness, depression, emotions, suicidal tendencies, etc. Speaking of perfectionism, having such a tendency is not all that bad if it is normal perfectionism—the healthy type in which the child finds pleasure in working painstakingly while staying open and accepting of the fact that like everyone else, he too has his own limitations. However, if it is the neurotic perfectionism—the other kind which drives him to avoid failure at all cost, then he becomes susceptible to the adverse effects of disappointment and frustration, both of which make him an easy prey for depression.

Being riddled with neurotic perfectionism requires the concerned gifted child to refocus his attention to make beneficial changes, so he can transform it into a healthy, normal one. Parents and teachers need to assist him in how he can effectively commit himself to tasks without overtaxing himself and helping him delve into the reason behind his neurotic perfectionist tendency. Eventually, should the neurotic perfectionist gifted child learn to modify his tendencies, he would learn how to transform it into a healthy one, which further boosts his ability. Hence, he maximizes his chances of utilizing and exploring his potentials.