Did you know that 20% of teenagers and school-going children experience depression? This is according to a study done recently. As a parent, you need to understand that school is a severe stressor. It takes up the entire day of your kid, and they need long hours for extracurricular activities or homework.
Today, there are several cases of depression in school-going children. It, therefore, behooves parents to educate themselves on mental health so they can help their children when the need arises. You can find several papers with the theme of depression essay examples online of you want to read more to know the symptoms of depression in your child. Being proactive by taking advantage of all free examples of essays you can find on mental health will do your child a world of good.
For most, school is not optional, and depression can make the school even a more significant challenge. Most pupils start failing school because of depression, while others get into trouble with school authorities. If you think its high school depression, this article has tips that parents can take advantage of to help their children.
Contents
Mental Health Issues in Public Schools
10-20% of kids who attend public schools suffer from a mental health issue of some type. These issues can manifest in many ways, including negative mood, cognitive disturbances, attention deficits, and lack of motivation, affecting their academic and social performance. Unfortunately, 80% of the pupils and students who suffer from mental health problems don’t get the proper support or treatment. The result is a downward spiral. Apart from the challenges of the mental health problem, the kids find themselves too depressed to do homework, unable to socialize with friends, and having low self-esteem.
Most times, it is unclear even to teachers what could be the cause of the mental illness and which interventions and preventive measures are effective.
In his research paper for the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), Dr. Thomas J. Huberty claims that the school personnel can impact kids positively and significantly on enhancing their social, academic, and emotional development with mental health issues without being qualified therapists.
How does Depression Affect School Children?
Depression in schools because students become unpredictable, and school personnel is not trained to recognize some of these signs and symptoms. Depression affects all areas of a person’s well-being, including diet, sleep, physical and psychological health, academic performance, and social life.
School goers with such a disorder are at a higher risk of performing poorly and resisting any school activity. They can stop participating in school activities, become disinterested in pursuing their dreams, start having bad relationships with teachers and peers and stop planning for the future. Below is a list of symptoms of depression among teens and children:
- Â Â Â Reduced motivation
- Â Â Â Enhanced irritability and rage
- Â Â Â Frequent fatigue
- Â Â Â Loss of appetite
- Â Â Â Loss of concentration
- Â Â Â Episodes of sadness and crying
- Â Â Â Reduced energy levels
- Â Â Â Reduced confidence and self-esteem
- Â Â Â Hopelessness
- Â Â Â Reduced interest in hobbies and activities once interesting
- Â Â Â Suicidal thoughts
- Â Â Â Changes in sleep patterns
- Â Â Â Withdrawal from friends and family
- Â Â Â Frequent complaints of illness or pain
- Â Â Â Increased sensitivity to rejection or failure
Depression is a serious issue and not a weakness or character flaw. If not addressed, it can lead to severe consequences. If you suspect these symptoms in your child, please read the tips below and learn how to support them succeed in school.
Tips for Parents on Helping a Depressed Child Succeed in School
Seeing your child deal with depression is hard for any parent. However, it’s your job to provide the support and love the child needs. If you feel the problem is too complex for you, seeking professional help is a great option. Additionally, it would be best to work with his teachers for support at school. Below are some of the valuable tips.
-    Watch your kid closely – Although your kid is older and more independent, it’s still your duty as a parent to keep tabs on what he does. Please pay attention to his behavioral changes and habits. You’ll be able to notice if something is wrong.
-    Always be calm – Your kid should always feel your love and assurance, especially when he starts showing signs of depression.
- Â Â Â Do proper research: It helps understand your child’s mental issue and how to deal with it. You can read essays, a research paper, etc.
-    Have an open discussion with the child – Your depressed kid mostly begins to be withdrawn. Try to start conversations with him. If a child can talk, it’ll ease the burden of depression.
- Â Â Â Be patient: Most people who have never experienced depression always find it difficult to understand. Because you know what your child is suffering from, be loving, understanding, and patient. It will help him heal.
Conclusion
These are just some of the tips that you can use. Choose the ones that you feel will benefit your kid the most. A good partnership between a parent and teachers is essential in creating the balance to help a depressed kid succeed in school again.
