Why Kids Get Depressed at School
Depression (officially known as major depressive disorder) is a medical condition that negatively affects mood, thoughts and behaviors. While sadness is one of the symptoms, it is far more complicated than that; it can impact focus, enjoyment of activities previously enjoyed and even diet and sleep.
Adolescents are at particular risk for developing depression. This can have serious impacts on their school, home and social life. While the following list is far from comprehensive, here are a few of the risk factors for teen depression.
- School pressure
The struggle to maintain grades and compete for college acceptance is a lot for teens to handle.
- Developing brains
The prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain involved in behavior and decision-making, is still developing in adolescents. This means they are prone to risky behaviors such as substance abuse and unsafe sex. Such poor choices can have negative impact on mental health.
- Inability to cope
Many teens are unable to deal with failure and disappointment. This is partially due to parental protectiveness, which stunts the teens’ development of coping mechanisms.
- Bullying
Being bullied leaves students feeling powerless and fearful. In fact, children who are bullied are more likely to develop depression and other mental health issues even into adulthood.
- Relationships
Teens often have their first romantic relationship during high school or college years. This is normal and crucial for their development process, but this new territory can be stressful for them, not to mention breakups.
- Lack of support
Many school-age children feel they have no one to support them. They keep everything to themselves for fear of parental judgement (or more severe reactions), and may not even have a mentor at school to confide in. This makes the experiences of life even harder to deal with.
- Social media
In the age of the smart phone, teens often struggle with self-esteem issues when they compare their lives to those they follow on social media. They feel inferior because of pressures to look like others or have the latest devices or clothes.
Depression, though serious, can be treated. Counseling and/or medication can help teens with depression regain control of their lives and deal with the pressures they face. It is important that the loved ones of teens provide a healthy support system for teens, so they know they do not have to deal with everything alone.