Dyspraxia and the 'Black Dog'




Dyspraxia and Depression

What has PIES got to do with it?

        
          When I was in college I studied AVCE Health and Social care and one of the first modules we carried out was human growth and development. To begin, we had to consider the term 'PIES'. It is a way of surmising all factors of human growth and development. PIES; Physical, Intellectual, Emotional and Social. The majority of health care professionals could do with taking PIES on board. I don't know what you guys think? But I have found they tend to deal with one problem rather then consider the whole person. PIES is holistic, which means one factor has a knock on affect on the other. So, if I was to break my leg ( which is physical) it would affect me intellectually as I would not be able to access the courses I am currently doing, it would affect me emotionally as I would feel bored and frustrated being unable to move about freely and finally, it would affect me socially as I would have less contact with the outside world. Therefore, you can see how one aspect ultimately affects the next. In today's post I am going to discuss how Dyspraxia and Depression are interlinked, what it means to be Depressed and a Dyspraxic, then finally ( but most importantly) what we can do about it. Please try and remember the rule that is PIES as it will help illustrate how one aspect impinges on another.


Dyspraxia and Depression

           
         I would like to think you all know what Dyspraxia and Depression is but just encase you are new to these diagnoses' I will give you a brief but accurate definition for each. Next, I will state how they are inextricably linked followed by an explanation as to how both depression and dyspraxia can affect the individual. To conclude, I will discuss coping strategies that may help you handle it better.

             Dyspraxia is the term used when someone finds it difficult to carry out and co-ordinate skilled, purposeful movements and gestures with normal accuracy. Someone with dyspraxia has difficulty planning and organising their thought processes (planning what to do and how to do it). They may also have language problems. Dyspraxia is also known as developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD). Symptoms in childhood can include a delay in reaching developmental milestones such as sitting up, standing or walking. Diagnosis as quickly as possible in a child's life means that treatment can be started early which may improve outlook.

https://patient.info/health/dyspraxia-developmental-co-ordination-disorder, (2017)

           According to http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/basics/definition/con-20032977, (1998)  Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living.


Links in the chains


I don't know about you my fellow Dyspraxics'? I get frustrated; seemingly simple tasks that people take for granted are a challenge for me to accomplish. Stupid things like opening carrier bags in the supermarket, tripping over flat floors, forgetting blatantly obvious details and speaking so loudly in a room that is meant to be silent. I cant sow to save my life; I spend more time trying to thread the needle than actually sowing. It's a curse!! Not only do I get frustrated with my own self but I also feel under pressure to come across as 'normal' and 'as on the ball' as other people. When the simple truth is this; no one is good at everything and my case is my own. Why am I comparing my abilities and skills with other people? Surely I should be competing against myself? 

I'm not here to moan about Dyspraxia, in fact if I had the option to get rid of it, I would refuse!
Why? You ask. Well Dyspraxia has forced me push myself beyond what I ever thought was possible, Dyspraxia helps me to relate to the 'freaks on table 9' to quote the wedding singer. I don't consider Dyspraxics to be freaks, but lets face it society sees us that way. Little do they realise, it's more 'freakish' to be neuro-typical then it is to be neuro-diverse. Since 2012, I have come to know many wonderful and talented Dyspraxics, who, though they struggle with 'simple' things like shoelaces and carrying a cup without spilling it... well these Dyspraxics can take photographs that no one else could have captured, these Dyspraxics go on stage with courage and raise awareness and these Dyspraxics can work together and publish a book! The Dyspraxics I know, are amazing despite how some neuro-typical's try to be little them, they are indeed gifted.

I digress! The link between Depression and Dyspraxia exists, I believe because we feel awkward, we feel judged and more often then not we feel isolated. People don't get us! Hell family and friend's don't get us, so how can we expect society to?  Dyspraxia can feed depression and vice versa.







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