The evening I won the title of Miss Kansas, I was asked the question as to how am I going to explain depression to children? I answered just as you do adults but to bring the information to a level children would understand. But now that I finally have the opportunity to speak about an issue I am so passionate about my answer is as easy as it seemed at time. Speaking across the state about depression awareness, I have noticed a few hurdles.

One, is the wide range of students I have in one presentation. There are so many levels of understanding, that I don’t have the ability in the time I’m allotted to explain the disease to every age of child sitting in front of me. How sixth graders understand something is completely different as to how second graders would understand something. Secondly, the word depression is a word most children haven’t heard. Breaking this large word down to a more simple understanding of feelings even then creates a variety of questions. 

Now that I have described my two main challenges, one may think that I have not been successful. However that is certainly not the case. As I work to explain this disease in the clearest sense I have had some triumphs. As I ask the children to think about what makes them happy, sad, frustrated, stressed, etc., they give me a bundle of intelligent answers. 

When I was in Lost Springs, Kan. (a small town south of Junction City), I asked these specific questions: AWhat makes you happy when you’re sad? A little brown haired girl eagerly raised her hand and replied: “When I’m sad I go ask my mom how long is it until my birthday and that makes me happy.”

Astonished by this simplistic and perfect answer I knew I was making progress. Depression is a disease that is hard for anyone to understand, especially a child. Through other presentations I’m learning how best to explain my platform. With children I talk mainly about feelings and how it is ok to express yourself no matter what the situation. With middle school age kids I talk about peer pressure and positive support for one another. Then finally with high school students I speak directly and specifically about this disease. So far I have had a lot of positive feedback about my direction for each group. Building awareness of this disease will take time, but I’m encouraged and look forward to every presentation.