Students with depressive disorders are an increasing phenomenon. Both children and adult students seem to face greater challenges with often high levels of competition and expectations for achievement among family and peers. A propensity towards depression may be due to family history, stress and psychological make up.
Definition
The mental health website Healthy Place identifies depression as a mental illness marked by negative moods and an inability to enjoy life. Depression involves negative thoughts, changes in sleep, appetite, energy, and the ability to concentrate. It is normal that students become sad or anxious at certain times such as when moving away from home into a dorm or facing new challenges in an unfamiliar environment. However, if sad feelings do not seem to go away and symptoms are identifiable, depression may be setting in.
Effects
According to Healthy Place, two to three out of 100 children have major depression at some point. Up until puberty, depression occurs equally in boys and girls, and after that, it increases among girls. However, more than half of the students who went for help at university counseling services in the 2006/2007 academic year in the UK did so for depression, compared with about a quarter in the 2003/2004, as found by an article in the Independent newspaper.
Symptoms
To identify depression in students, Healthy Place lists factors such as sadness or crying more than usual although it warns that depressed children do not necessarily look sad all of the time. There is usually a loss of interest in once loved activities, irritability, notably pulling away from friends, sleep disturbance, and changes in appetite or school or academic performance. Headaches or stomachaches often occur. Substance abuse may be an indicator in some cases.
Causes
Family history and stress are major causes for depression. Although often a combination of genetic, psychological, or environmental factors contribute to depression, the National Institute of Mental Health notes that sometimes there is no apparent cause. Depression running in families is an indicator of a higher likelihood for depression to set in. However, students of any age with low self-esteem or who are overwhelmed by stress are also be prone to depression.
Treatment Options
Healthy Place suggests that teachers who identify the signs and symptoms of depression particularly in younger students, should pay close attention to those students and draw them into discussion to stimulate their minds. The teacher should also demonstrate care by helping to update missing assignments, encouraging the student and other methods. If depression persists, parents of school-aged children should be contacted. If a student of any age expresses suicidal thoughts, it must be taken seriously. Further steps include seeking a psychotherapist, counselor or, if severe, in-patient clinic. Students Against Depression is an online resource for student to share their experiences and find support.
