OVERVIEW
Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and that affects the way a person eats, sleeps, feels about himself or herself, and thinks about things. Depression is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be wished away. People with depression cannot merely 'pull themselves together' and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people with depression.
HOW DEPRESSION MAY AFFECT CLASSROOM PERFORMANCE
Depressed students may appear unmotivated and uncaring about their work when, in fact, they are unable to function to their level of ability. Often, they have difficulty with sustaining attention, effort, performance, and social relationships. Coaxing, cajoling, punishment, and reinforcement typically have little effect on behavior and achievement. Left untreated, depression can lead to continued academic and social problems, substance abuse, social alienation, risk-taking behavior, and suicidal thinking and behavior, perhaps into adulthood. Although students with depression may need counseling and therapy, teachers, school psychologists, counselors, and administrators in collaboration with parents can do much to help them in the classroom by knowing what to look for and learning how to be helpful.
SYMPTOMS
When speaking about teen depression there are certain behaviors and emotions to be on the lookout for. Some of the behaviors are loss of energy, change of appetite, change in sleep behavior, agitation, use of alcohol or drugs, poor school performance, risky behaviors, or self-harm. Emotional changes may include feelings of sadness, frustration, and hopelessness. Other symptoms to look for are trouble concentrating, making decisions, remembering things, and being overburdened with guilt and thoughts of past failures. Finally, feelings of worthlessness and heavy self-criticism.
TYPICAL TREATMENTS
Typical treatments for depression are psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of both. It is important to see a doctor as soon as the symptoms listed above are brought to your attention.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATIONS
- Address a variety of learning styles (e.g. auditory, visual, kinesthetic, experiential, or a combination of styles).
- Incorporate experiential learning activities.
- Preferential seating, especially near the door to allow leaving class for breaks.
- Assigned classmate as volunteer assistant.
- Beverages permitted in class.
- Prearranged or frequent breaks.
- Tape recorder use.
- Notetaker or photocopy of another student's notes.
- Early availability of syllabus and textbooks.
- Availability of course materials (lectures, handouts) on disk.
- Private feedback on academic performance.
RESOURCES THAT MAY HELP
More Than Moody by Harold S. Koplewicz, MD.
In this book, child psychiatrist Harold Koplewicz helps parents understand the difference between a moody adolescent and one with depression. Koplewicz, founder and director of the New York University Child Study Center, addresses potential depression triggers, the link between gender and depression, and helpful treatments.
Dr. Koplewicz uses anecdotes and advice to create what Mike Wallace from 60 Minutes calls, "a heartening, knowledgeable, and useful guide. And it’s fascinating reading, too."
More than Moody: Recognizing and Treating Adolescent Depression ($2-9; barnesandnoble.com)
What to Do When Someone You Love Is Depressed by Mitch
Golant Ph. D., and Susan K. Golant
Clinical psychologist Mitch Golant, PhD, spent his childhood dealing with a mother who suffered from severe depression. In this book, he and Susan K. Golant offer a guide for people who act as support systems for loved ones with depression.
Rosalynn Carter says the work "will bring hope and comfort to the loved ones of those who struggle to overcome this most common of mental illnesses."
What To Do When Someone You
Love Is Depressed: A Practical, Compassionate, and Helpful Guide for Caregivers ($ 3-10;amazon.com)
10 Things to Say (and 10 Not to Say) to Someone With Depression
(online article on Health.com)
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