It's normal for students to feel sad, angry, or moody occasionally, especially during the teen years. Setbacks such as getting cut from a sports team, doing poorly on a test, or having a conflict with a classmate can stir strong emotions — and that's normal, too.
But when a depressed mood lingers for weeks, months, or even longer, and affects a student's ability to function normally, it might be depression.
Depression usually isn't caused by a single reason or event — it's often the result of several factors, such as:
Levels of brain chemicals (called neurotransmitters), hormones, and genetics also play a role in depression.
Whether or not stressful events lead to depression can depend on how well a student is able to cope, stay positive, and get support. Kids and teens who are depressed are more likely to use alcohol and drugs as coping methods than those who aren't depressed. Teens who are depressed are at higher risk for suicide.
The good news is that mental health professionals can help. Depression can be successfully treated — with psychotherapy, medicine, or a combination of therapy and medicine — in most cases.
In addition, school psychologists or school counselors can provide emotional support and help students learn coping skills. Teachers can also provide support during the school day.
Students with depression may:
Teachers should be aware of suicide prevention methods, because schools have been sued for negligence for failing to:
It's important to know student behaviors that can be warning signs for suicide, including:
Depression can interfere with your student's day-to-day activities. Your student may need additional assistance completing assignments and interacting with peers.
Let your depressed student know you are available for help. Be supportive and look for opportunities for your student to succeed in the classroom.
Incorporating physical activities into daily classroom instruction can help ease a student's depression symptoms, as well as energize all of your other students.
If you suspect a student is struggling with depression, talk to a parent or guardian and contact the school psychologist or counselor for assistance in setting up a support system at school and at home.
If you suspect a student is at risk of suicide or possibly hurting himself or herself, immediately escort the student yourself to a member of the school's crisis team, or notify the principal, psychologist, counselor, nurse, or social worker.
Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date Reviewed: 12-08-2016