Principal’s Message

STUDENT DEPRESSION

How should schools should address the issue of depression?

It’s not just fate.

“Well, these things just happen,” is the wrong mindset. School leaders should work closely with school counsellors and faculty to understand suicide can be prevented. This includes training about warning signs, outreach to families and community agencies, procedures when a student threatens suicide, and protocols for helping survivors re-enter school.

Make it okay to not be okay.

About one in 13 adolescents suffers from depression, and suicide is the leading cause of death between ages 10 and 24 – and yet there’s still a stigma attached to talking about mental illness.

Depression may show up in odd ways.

Rule-breaking, risky behaviours, and apathy can all be signs of underlying depression. Preparing to use restorative practices can give educators time to observe the student and consider what support services may be needed.

Build mental health awareness in staff.

All teachers need to understand mental health issues, especially the signs of depression. Do not allow the depressed student to fade away or hide behind inappropriate anger or behavioural outbursts. Students who are angry often are depressed.

Be proactive.

This might include setting up a mental health awareness group and providing instruction on a mental health toolbox that students can use to understand their own issues and develop empathy for differences in others.

This is not an easy road for a troubled teen. They must daily must manage their symptoms. They learn their depression is a chronic illness and must be treated like any other chronic illness – without stigma attached – and part of everything else in their life.

Acknowledgement: “Believe in Fate No Longer” by Nancy Akhavan in School Administrator, February 2019