Symptoms of depression can affect the way a child performs academically and socially in school, and may even lead to thoughts of suicide. Patterns of sadness or irritability, sudden decreases in academic performance and interest in school, low self-esteem and low levels of energy are a few of the issues facing children suffering from depression. Teachers can support these students by making minor adjustments in expectations and displaying kindness and empathy.
Types of Depression
There are three known types of depression exhibited in children. Each one is unique from the other in the severity and duration of symptoms.
Adjustment Disorder is present in some children after a disturbing life event such as a death, divorce, or other significant event perceived by the child to be negative. Many children will be distraught after a tragedy, but the feelings of children with Adjustment Disorder tend to be exaggerated and not easily overcome, interfering with normal activities.
Dysthymia or Dysthymic Disorder is a mild but persistent form of depression observed in children. The condition is usually not in response to any particular incident, but is chronic in nature. Because the symptoms tend to be less severe, it is harder to distinguish it from normal childhood sadness and irritability.
Major Depression Disorder (MDD), although usually of shorter duration than Dysthymia, is much more concerning. The onset of MDD usually occurs in children aged 10-11 years old and many younger sufferers of Dysthymia will go on to develop MDD, or even Bipolar Disorder in their teens.
Symptoms of Depression
Teachers may see the following issues in children suffering from a Depressive Disorder:
- Tendency to be accident prone in younger children
- Anxiety and multiple fears
- Socially withdrawn
- Irritability and moodiness
- Sudden negative changes in academic performance
- Loss of interest in extracurricular activities
- Increase in absence or tardiness
- Decrease in energy level, tiredness
- Problems with attention, concentration, and making decisions
- Significant changes in weight
- Poor appetite
- Obsessed with morbid themes such as death
- Excessive anger and sensitivity
- Suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, and evidence of cutting
- Disruptive and/or restless behavior
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and guilt
Interventions for Depressed Kids in the Classroom
Although depression is a disorder that should be diagnosed and treated by a qualified mental health professional, there are some strategies that teachers can use in the classroom when a child is exhibiting depression symptoms that adversely affect his or her academic performance. Here are some tips that may help the student in school:
- Ask poignant questions about friends and family to show empathy and compassion.
- Accommodate tardiness and absences from school by providing study guides, make up work, and general understanding.
- Discourage bullying, teasing, and other undesirable behavior by classmates directed toward the depressed individual.
- Create a peace corner or safe area for a depressed student when his or her feelings erupt or become overwhelming.
- Be flexible with homework and classroom assignments by breaking larger project into more manageable pieces for the student who has low energy.
- Work with parents and keep time open for potential recurrent meetings, phone calls, and updates on the child’s progress.
- Provide an outlet for the child to express his or her feelings, such as a writing journal or an online diary.
Incidentally, many children who display symptoms of depression also have other mental health problems such as anxiety, Conduct Disorder, and ADHD. This makes it even more critical for teachers to monitor and work closely with these students in school.
Important note: Expressions of suicide or self-loathing should be taken seriously. When teachers observe these disturbing behaviors at school, counselors and parents should always be notified.
For further reading on mood disorders in the classroom, check out:
Bipolar Disorder in the Classroom
Classroom Accommodations for Teen Mood Disorders
Karen Plumley - Karen Plumley is a writer specializing in parenting and education. She works for Parenting NH and the Hippo, NH's most widely read ...
