Depression in schools is becoming more prevalent than ever before. While the multiple factors that cause depression can be many, it is important to know about the terms that define what depression is. When we speak of someone being depressed or suffering from depression, there are other terms that define depression; such as, Major Depression, Major Depressive Disorder, or Persistent Depressive Disorder
Although, depression is very common in today’s world, it is a serious mood disorder. Depressive episodes (events) are classified in the DSM-1V Manual as mild, moderate and severe, based on several dynamics; such as, number of symptoms, type among others. Many people often get confused between “depressive episode” vs a “normal” mood swing, which has much shorter time duration. A student with a Major Depressive Disorder comes in the form of five or more symptoms of depression for at least a 2-week period. It can also be recurrent as well.
A Persistent Depressive Disorder is a continuously long-term chronic state of a low-level depressed mood. This mood disorder is not as severe as the major depression, but it can still cause disabling conditions.
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A student dealing with a mental health challenge can face diverse factors as the cause of her mental state. To name a few: childhood trauma, abuse, neglect; physical causes, that is head injuries, accidents, violent crimes; homelessness; bereavement and severe stress. The basic symptoms of depression are mainly, feelings of sadness, irritability and emptiness.
When teachers are working with their students in the classroom, it is important to monitor/observe the students on a regular basis in order to identify a student shown in mental health problems.
If a teacher notices that a student is having sadness beyond two weeks, his grades are steadily decreasing, then it is time to do some investigations about his mental state. Usually, a teachers “gut” feelings about a particular student is correct.
A significant study was conducted by Glob Soc Welf, June 7, 2020 which indicated that teachers are very aware of students who suffer from mental health problems. The survey also revealed that in addition to depression, the teachers also observed learning difficulties internal and external challenges, bizarre behaviours, as well as substance abuse. The teachers that took part in the survey also stated that their greatest challenges in helping the students effectively were lack of skills and time.
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Another survey revealed that children and adolescent in sub-Sahara Africa had a 9.5 per cent rate of suffering from Psychiatric Disorders. Professor Ndetei — a renown psychiatrist and Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Nairobi in a research project on mental problems in children and adolescents — recorded that mental health in schools were at a prevalence of 10 per cent to a 50.5 per cent (Ndetei et al. 2007; 2008). Globally, mental health problems are at a rate of 10 per cent for children and adolescents (Kieling et al. 2011; eblfar, 2008).
Some of the most common mental illnesses in adolescents are anxiety, mood swings, attention span, and behavioral disorders.
Solutions:
- Schools should establish mental health clubs as an extra curriculum activity, that is, Mental Health Matters, My Space, The Mind Hub, First Aid for Mental Health.
- Practice the 5 steps to Mental Wellbeing – National Health Services nhs.uk.
- Parent’s and teacher’s days can include implementing 30 mins to mental health awareness for students, parents and teachers.
Doris who is a professional psychologist and a church minister can be reached on Email: foxworthodito@yahoo.com
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