September 30, 2004
By BRENDA HIMELFARB
Palisadian-Post Contributor

Bella McGowan begins each work day by puffing up her couch pillows, putting the books in order, filling the candy dish, making sure the Kleenex and rocking chair are in place and generally keeping her office cozy and inviting. Her dog, Murphy, a wheaten terrier adopted from the pound four years ago, is at her side.

McGowan has been the psychologist at Palisades High for nine years. Although much of her work requires an appointment, at lunchtime she keeps her office door open for anyone who just wants to hang out, read, play with Murphy or, perhaps, talk.

'My office is the one place on campus where the kids can come and relax,' McGowan says. 'It's a place where they can talk with confidentiality, where they can talk freely. I welcome them and am here to help with problems and give support.'

Teen depression is so common that this year McGowan invited Richard Lieberman, head of the suicide prevention unit for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), to address PaliHi's faculty about suicide and the critical roles teachers play. In many cases, teachers are the first to notice at-risk students or those who need support, and knowing how to handle these cases is vital.

'There is a full-time psychologist at every high school in the LAUSD,' says McGowan. 'The most important thing that we do is to provide emotional support to students, and staff as well.'

At one time or another, all adolescents experience depression, but it is the degree of depression that experts worry about. Recent research shows that students are happier and succeed better at school when they feel connected. They also found that students with at least three adult relationships outside the primary caregiver are happier and more successful. Those strong, supportive relationships are positive indicators for a healthy adult life.

'This year I'm starting a peer mentoring program to help ninth grade students feel more comfortable,' McGowan explains. 'I want kids to benefit from an upper-classmate's experiences. I want them to feel safe and to learn how to talk to one another; these are important life skills.

'I want to train kids to recognize symptoms of depression. I recall many instances where kids have come to me and told me about someone who needs help. These days, kids aren't as secretive.'

''In fact, last year, McGowan was able to help a student in distress, through a phone conversation.

'''Some girls were talking to their friend on a cell phone,' explains McGowan, 'when they got very concerned about what she was saying. They came to me and I spoke with the girl; there was no one at home. We called the paramedics and I was able to intervene. The girl received the treatment she needed and when she came back to school, she thanked me. If kids hear about that, they will take that information and will now trust. It's a little bit like a 'pay it forward.' There are many people doing that for students. There are very thoughtful, compassionate teachers.'

''According to McGowan, today's teenagers have different pressures, based upon what's going on. For instance, it's harder to get into college; there's a lot more peer pressure. These days, technology has made everyone aware of everything, so there's no difference between a small town and a big city, if one has a television set or computer. Teenage fears and problems are the same anywhere.

'''The messages we give at school are the same parents are giving at home,' says McGowan. 'Students can get it from the administration, counselors, psychologist and teachers.

'If teachers see a student who is more sullen, sad or with his head on the desk, we're very sensitive. Sometimes kids are referred to me by teachers, security guards, parents, grandparents or even neighbors. There are a lot of good Samaritans out there. Kids refer kids. They might say, 'See so and so always standing alone'?'

The first thing people see when they enter McGowan's office is Murphy on the couch. Parents, teachers and students find themselves petting him while they relay their problems. He provides comfort.

'I'm better known as 'the lady with the dog,' says McGowan. I call him my 'therapy dog.' Kids who might be fearful to see me, will come to see Murphy and then will find themselves in an office where they can get help. They might have lunch and have no place to go. So they'll come by for a piece of candy just to be connected.'

And Murphy's always there to greet them.