: Just to explain clearly:
Depression is one type of mood disorder, but there are many other types of
mental illness, too.
Some
mental illnesses—like Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective
Disorder, and Schizophrenia—can include mood problems, and they may seem similar
to depression at times.
That’s
why I am linking them together in this chapter.
I want to help people understand how these conditions can connect and how they
are also different in their own ways.
(Student & Parent-Friendly Guide)
Depression is a mental health condition that causes feelings
of sadness, low energy, and loss of interest in things a person usually enjoys.
It’s more than just feeling “down” sometimes—it can affect how a child or teen
thinks, feels, and acts for weeks or months. Depression can make school,
friendships, and daily activities harder.
Key Signs and Symptoms
A young person with depression may:
- Feel sad, empty, or hopeless much of the time
- Lose interest in hobbies, friends, or activities they used to
enjoy
- Have trouble sleeping or sleep too much
- Feel tired or low on energy
- Have changes in appetite or weight
- Find it hard to concentrate or make decisions
- Feel worthless or guilty
- Talk about feeling “bad” or wanting to hurt themselves (this
requires immediate help)
- Withdraw from family and friends
Symptoms can vary and sometimes show as irritability or
anger instead of sadness.
How Depression is
Identified
Depression is usually identified through:
- Conversations with the child and family
- Questionnaires or screening tools used by doctors or school
counselors
- Observation of behavior and mood over time
- Assessment by mental health professionals for diagnosis and
support planning
Support and Strategies
Support for depression can include:
- Talking therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or
counseling
- Encouraging regular routines with sleep, meals, and physical
activity
- Support at school, such as reduced workload or a trusted adult to
talk to
- Family support and education to understand depression
- Medication in some cases, prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist
- Crisis support if the child talks about self-harm or suicide
Reassurance for Students
and Families
Depression can feel very hard, but it is treatable. With the
right help, young people can feel better, enjoy life again, and succeed at
school and home. It’s important to talk openly about feelings and get support
early.
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