Recognising Depression In Students: Signs, Symptoms & Support Strategies

In today's achievement-driven education system, many students experience emotional strain and depression.

School and academic pressures are major contributors in depression in students. (Representative Image)

Source : ABPLIVE AI

By Mr. Amit Saneja

Modern education is highly focused on achievements, encouraging students to seek excellence in their studies. Students work tirelessly towards academic goals, striving to meet expectations from themselves, parents, teachers, and society. While this drive may lead to attaining satisfactory results, it can also lead to emotional strain for some students resulting in psychological distress or even depression. 

Both teachers and parents must recognize signs of emotional strain in students so they may provide timely support as students navigate challenges equitably and healthily.

The Scourge and the Identifiable Cause of Depression in Students

As many psychologists would advise, depression is apparently not so rare in students. Based on information provided by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about 17% of students are likely to report suffering from at least one episode of major depression every year. Not only high school graduates but college students are also impacted by depression.

School and academic pressures are major contributors. Students often feel that their future depends on doing well in school, which can make even small setbacks feel devastating. Research also shows that 61% of students report feeling overwhelming anxiety, and 45% say they’ve felt hopeless at some point during the school year.

These feelings, if left unchecked, can spiral into depression. Recognising depression in a student isn’t always easy. Many of the signs can look like normal teenage behavior, but it’s important to know when something deeper might be going on.

How Parents and Teachers Can Help?

While teachers play an essential role in supporting students who may seem depressed, parents are equally crucial. They often have a deeper understanding of behavioral changes, such as unusual sleeping patterns, which can be early signs of distress. Parents could readily observe changes outside school, but teachers normally see things happening within the school environment.

The goal is to create a safe space where students feel free to express themselves openly. Start by asking general questions such as, "How are you feeling about school?" or "Has anything been bothering you lately?" It is also vitally important that listen actively so students feel heard without providing solutions or judgments too quickly.

There is also the crucial aspect of self-identity. Students must know that their academic success or poor performance does not affect at all the meaning of their being. This is why students must reminded timely — by parents and teachers —that they are completely able to avert the feelings/the discouragement of defeat when it comes to endeavors, especially academics.

Strategies to Support Students with Depression

When depression is an unmasked zone, there are more than a few options on how to assist “customers” with it. Such possibilities include the following ways of how to assist students:

Don’t be a stranger: There’s always room for improvement. Students should never remain unattended. Make it clear that any student with issues can come and see you.

Involvement in non-academic activities: Hobbies and sports can relieve students of academic stress and help them explore their untapped potential. Playing guitar, singing, being in a drama or sports team, or generally all sorts of extracurricular activities raise self-image and provide a good way of relieving stress.

Help in exploring other options: Not all students learn effectively from books. When a student is out of their depth, suggest applying for a different approach, e.g., a vocational course or boarding school. Instead, students ought to be aware that there is no one way to success.

Make them understand that there’s nothing abnormal in complaining: Other times, there’s a need for intervention. If there is a case where a student in depression doesn’t seem to shift, then recommend a counselor.

Depression in students is a serious challenge, but it can be managed effectively with proper support. Recognising early signs is key; creating an atmosphere in which students feel safe discussing their emotions makes a tremendous difference in helping them through difficult times.

In conclusion, encouraging open communication, promoting self-care practices, and seeking professional assistance in a timely manner can ensure children understand they are valued beyond grades and test scores alone.

(The Author is the CEO of Educate Online)

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