School Depression

School depression is the type of depression that occurs in school going children and research shows this is a more common illness than was previously thought. Numbers of students are affected by depression every year and due to the age group that can be affected by depression it is important at the first signs to have the child diagnosed. School depression is not a strange kind of depression; it is just the same as some of the other types of depression. Following are the symptoms of school depression:

The first and the foremost symptom of depression in school going children is the inability to concentrate while studying.

Irritation at school without a proper reason.

Poor appetite.

School going children may exhibit sleeping problems; these consist of too little sleep or too much sleep.

Little interest in extra curricular activities.

Nervousness or hesitation without any reason.

Fatigue.

Negative thoughts and poor self-confidence also are the symptoms of depression in school going children.

School depression or depression in school age children exhibit the above listed symptoms commonly, but these symptoms might vary child to child. The prevalence of depression in school going children is 3 to 4 out of 100 children. School depression occurs equally in boy and girls. The relationship of students amongst their friends and teachers play a big role in school depression. Some of the causes that may lead to depression in school age children are:

Extra pressure of parents or schoolteachers on students to perform well in examinations.

Too many expectations from parents.

Students that do not join activities may also develop depression.

Bookworms may also develop depression.

Low self-confidence can also develop depression in school age children.

The fear of bad performance in activities such as sports or bad performance in studies could also be the reason of depression in school age children.

Students that have no friends are often found stressed, the stress may also lead to depression.

Inferiority complex in students is also a reason that they may develop depression.

School depression is a treatable illness and can be treated if the proper treatment technique is followed. Parents need to identify the symptoms in their school age children, as most of the children do not even know that they are suffering from depression. Parents need to take their child to a specialist and look for proper treatment plan. Talk therapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy or interpersonal therapies are good method in these cases. The parents can also help the child getting over school depression. Following are some of the do’s and don’ts that need to be followed:

Do not pressure your child for more than they can achieve. Every child has a special talent; they just need to motivate him to explore his talent rather than pressuring them.