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Recognizing and Responding to Childhood Depression At School

Depression isn't just an adult problem. The CDC says, "ADHD, anxiety problems, behavior problems, and depression are the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children." Our young friends feel its heavy weight. Imagine carrying a backpack filled with rocks everywhere you go. That's what depression can feel like for a child.

They might not tell you they're feeling down, but their behavior will scream it. Here's how to spot the signs and support your students.

Spotting the Signs

Kids often express their feelings through their actions rather than words. Here are some signs to look out for:

Changes in Behavior

Is there a student who was once bubbly and now seems withdrawn? Maybe they're not playing with friends during recess or seem disinterested in activities they used to love. A sudden drop in grades or frequent absences can also be red flags.

Emotional Outbursts

Frequent crying, irritability, or unexplained anger can be signs of depression. Even phrases like, "I can't do this!" signify big feelings. Their emotions are on a rollercoaster that doesn't stop or slow down.

Physical Symptoms

Sometimes, depression manifests physically. Kids might complain about stomachaches or headaches without a medical reason. Their body is trying to tell us something their words can't.

Creating a Supportive Environment

You've noticed the signs. What next? Your classroom can be a safe haven for these students. Here's how you can help.

Open Communication

Create an environment where your students feel safe expressing their feelings. Start by sharing your own experiences with mental health in an age-appropriate way. Let them know it's okay to feel sad or overwhelmed. And don't forget to include how you received help processing your feelings.

Mindfulness Activities

Introduce simple mindfulness exercises in your daily classroom routine. Start the day with a few minutes of deep breathing or a guided imagery session. Your students can then use these same techniques when they are feeling overwhelmed.

Journaling

Encourage your students to keep a journal. This can be a private space where they pour out their feelings. They don't have to share it with anyone, but writing can be therapeutic.

Responding to a Depressed Child

What if you suspect a child is depressed? It's crucial to approach the situation with sensitivity.

Private Conversations

Find a quiet moment to talk to your student. Express your concern without being accusatory. Use phrases like, "I've noticed you seem down lately. Is there something you'd like to talk about?" You don't need them to spill their feelings, but show them you're there for them.

Involve Parents and Professionals

If your conversation confirms your suspicions, it's time to loop in the parents and possibly school counselors or psychologists. They can offer the child more targeted support.

Activities to Help

Art Therapy

Kids are often more comfortable expressing themselves through art. Set aside time for drawing or painting. You might discover things about your student's feelings through their art that they can't or don't know how to verbalize.

Group Discussions

Create small group discussions where kids can talk about how they're feeling. Sometimes, knowing they're not alone can make a huge difference. Make sure these groups are structured and every child gets a chance to speak.

Positive Affirmations

Teach your students the power of positive affirmations. Start the day by having them say something positive about themselves. Try phrases like, "My mind is strong" or "I am brave." These phrases will boost their self-esteem.

Building Resilience

One of the best ways to help kids combat depression is to build their resilience. Students can do this by:

  • Being kind to themselves.

  • Taking time to relax.

  • Spending time outdoors.

  • Exploring their physical health.

  • Enjoying their interests and hobbies.

Growth Mindset

Encourage a growth mindset in your classroom. Praise effort over outcome. When your students see that struggling with something doesn't mean they're failing, they're less likely to feel down about their abilities.

Peer Support

Pair up students in buddy systems. Sometimes, a peer can provide support in a way that adults can't.

Encourage Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities give kids a sense of achievement and belonging. Help your students find an outlet in sports, drama, or a chess club.

Final Thoughts

Recognizing and responding to childhood depression is a big part of being a teacher and mentor to children. You are a gardener—your job is to provide the right conditions for your students to grow, even when the weather isn't ideal. To children dealing with depression, every effort you make matters. 

Written by Brooke Lektorich
Education World Contributor
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