WHY IS MY CHILD DEPRESSED AT SCHOOL?

UNDERSTANDING AND ADDRESSING SCHOOL-RELATED DEPRESSION

Ordinarily, school is meant to be an environment that fosters growth, learning, social development, and overall well-being for the child. However, several factors could contribute to children and adolescents’ experience of depression in the school setting. These include family dynamics/history or genetics, childhood trauma, academic stress, bullying, social media, pressure to excel, and lack of support, etc. It is important for parents and significant adults to identify these factors as well as the signs that children are experiencing depression and the strategies for addressing this issue.  

SIGNS CHILDREN ARE EXPERIENCING DEPRESSION

• They have lost interest in things they used to really enjoy. 
• They are resisting going to school and neglecting to do their homework. 
• Their grades have dropped, and they are finding it difficult to concentrate in school.
• They have been sad or irritable for most of the day, most days in a week for at least two weeks.
• Their eating or sleeping habits have changed.
• They are constantly exhausted, and fatigued, and have very little energy and motivation to do much of anything.
• They are feeling worthless, hopeless about their future, or guilty about things that are not their fault.
• They may start abusing alcohol or drugs to cope with the pain as a form of self-medication. 
• They are saying or doing things that may indicate they are having suicidal thoughts.

7 REASONS WHY CHILDREN ARE DEPRESSED AT SCHOOL

• The Pressure to Excel: The present-day academic environment is quite competitive. Children and adolescents often feel immense pressure to excel in their studies. Their perception of high expectations from parents, teachers, and peers can lead to feelings of inadequacy and failure, which are common triggers for depression. The relentless pursuit of academic success can consume a child’s life, leaving little room for relaxation and self-care.

• Social Challenges: Social media is a primary source of depression and anxiety for adolescents. Teens become depressed when they compare themselves to their peers. Moreover, they feel they must uphold perfection on social media. The impact of social media on children/teens’ depression is enormous, ranging from impacting their self-esteem, their mood and sleep, and perceived social isolation, to preventing them from having meaningful social connections and from engaging in activities that promote accomplishments. For some children, social interactions can be a source of stress and anxiety, particularly if they struggle to make friends or fit in with their peers. Bullying, exclusion, and peer pressure are all common experiences that can contribute to feelings of isolation and depression among children.
• Academic Struggles: Some children struggle academically, and for them, school can be a constant source of frustration and disappointment. Persistent difficulties with learning can erode a child’s self-confidence and sense of worth, leading to feelings of hopelessness and despair. Without appropriate support and intervention, academic struggles can exacerbate symptoms of depression and negatively impact a child’s overall well-being.
• Family Dynamics: The family environment plays a crucial role in a child’s emotional and psychological development. Family stressors such as parental conflict, divorce, financial instability, or substance abuse can all contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression in children. Additionally, genetic predispositions and family history of mental illness can increase a child’s vulnerability to depression.
• Unrealistic Expectations: Children and teens are often bombarded with unrealistic expectations from various sources, including family, media, peers, and society at large. The pressure to conform to unrealistic standards of success, beauty, happiness, etc. can take a toll on a child/teen’s mental health, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. 

• Lack of Support: Children/teens who struggle with depression would likely feel isolated and alone, with few outlets to express their emotions or seek support. This may be due to fear of judgment or stigma from their peers or adults, preventing them from reaching out for help. 

• Biological Factors: Although environmental factors contribute to depression in children/teens, it is important to recognize the role of biological factors as well. Imbalances in neurotransmitters, hormonal changes, and genetic predispositions can all contribute to the development of depression in children and adolescents. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO AS A PARENT:

• Be supportive of your child/teen. Try to build empathy and understanding by putting yourself in their shoes.  
• Encourage your child/teen to do self-care. While at home, help your them cultivate healthy habits such as sleep, social support, and exercise. 

• Promote realistic expectations. Work collaboratively with your children/teens to set realistic expectations for their academic and social lives and help them foster a culture of self-acceptance and self-compassion.
• Listen to your child/teen. Be available to listen to them when they want to talk and if they are not ready to talk, let them know you will be there whenever they are. Pay attention and watch for warning signs.

• Validate their emotions. For example, tell them it seems they have been feeling down lately. Let them clarify, but don’t try to problem-solve.

• Be compassionate with curiosity. If you find out your child/teen has been having behavior or mental health issues, respond with compassion and invite them to share what’s going on.

• Encourage behavioral activation. Give them the opportunity to do things without being critical of them. 

• Make sure they get professional help. If you’re concerned that your child/teen is depressed, have them talk to a school counselor or another mental health professional. 

Understanding the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors is crucial for effectively addressing depression in children/teens.  Some of the school-related factors that can contribute to the development and exacerbation of depression in this population include pressure to perform, academic pressure, social challenges, family dynamics, and biological factors. Parents need to understand the many possible factors and be supportive of their children and teens through their mental health struggles. Ultimately, parents need to provide their children and teens with access to resources and professional help when needed. 

At HopeNation Counseling, we provide the support and help that young people struggling with depression need to thrive in school and beyond.