Depression
Depression is a common form of mental ill health. It is estimated that between two and four per cent of children suffer from depression and that those rates may be two to three times higher during adolescence.
Depression affects people in different ways. We may say we are depressed when we feel down or fed up. However, true depression can make life a struggle and interfere with how we behave, feel and relate to others.
Symptoms of depression
The information below has been taken from the teacher training pack 'Depression in Young People', produced by the Young People's Unit at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.
The symptoms listed below are common indicators of depression. If a child or young person has some of these symptoms for most of the day, for more days than not, and if there is significant impact on daily functioning, he or she may be depressed:
- feeling sad, miserable, tearful – persistent low mood that does not lift
- irritability – persistent over-sensitivity, which can appear as aggressive outbursts
- social withdrawal – isolation from friends and family, hiding away
- poor concentration – difficulty with attention, decision-making and memory
- altered sleep pattern – difficulty in going off to sleep; disturbed sleep
- altered appetite/weight – loss or gain in appetite and weight
- low self-esteem – low opinion of self, own attributes and capabilities
- anhedonia – loss of pleasure in hobbies, work or relationships
- hopelessness/helplessness – pervasive negative thinking style
- suicidal thoughts – thoughts that life is not worth living
- self-blame/guilt – excessive preoccupation with past actions.
Evidence of depression in a school setting
A child or young person experiencing depression may exhibit various signs that become evident in a school setting.
Signs affecting academic performance:
- inexplicable decline in school performance
- loss of interest in school subjects
- decline in effort expended
- gives up easily, complaining of lack of energy to complete work.
Social/behavioural signs:
- increased dependence
- anti-social behaviour (where behaviour was previously without problems)
- irritability
- looks and acts tired
- alienates peers
- withdraws from social contact
- unpopular.
Cognitive/affective signs:
- indecisiveness
- concentration difficulties
- expression of suicidal wishes
- expects to do poorly/fail
- poor self-esteem
- complains excessively
- low mood
- feels guilty.
Physical signs:
- sleep disturbance
- change in appetite
- feels weighed down
- complains about feeling tired
- frequent complaints concerning aches and pains.
Prevention, promotion, care
There are a number of ways of providing support to children and young people experiencing depression. These include:
- finding out what might help with day-to-day school life – for example, support with homework, advice on how to structure the day
- providing a listening ear or encouraging the child or young person to talk to someone – for example, a friend, relative, school nurse, teacher
- raising awareness of, and educating people about, depression
- encouraging activities that are enjoyed – for example, listening to music, drawing and painting
- providing health advice and encouraging young people to eat well, have sufficient sleep and take regular exercise
- referring young people to support services – for example, an educational psychologist, the child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) or counselling services.
Useful links
Depression in Teenagers
This interactive website for young people supports the pack on coping with depression, produced by NHS Lothian for teachers and pupils.
Young Minds
A charity dealing with children's mental health issues, providing information and advice leaflets on topics such as bullying, eating disorders and depression (tel: 0207 336 8445).
Breathing Space Scotland
Website and telephone helpline (0800 838587) providing support for young people.
Depression Alliance
Support for those suffering from depression: provides information packs, local support, campaigning and research. Contact address: Depression Alliance Scotland, 3 Grosvenor Gardens, Edinburgh EH12 5JU; tel: 0131 467 3050.
Samaritans
24-hour helpline service (08457 90 90 90) and website providing you with the option of e-mailing your worries.
HeadsUpScotland
Provides information about the National Project for Children and Young People's Mental Health, its activities and strands of work, as well as useful links and contact information.
WellScotland
Website for the National Programme for Improving the Mental Health and Well-Being of Scotland's Population, with information on aims, priorities and publications.
Healthy Respect
A sexual health campaign for young people in Lothian, providing information for young people and their parents.
