STRESS & DEPRESSIONIN CHILDREN

A brief overview of the symptoms of childhood depression and stress, condition management,

teaching modifications, and personal classroom modifications

By Julia Watson

Affecting at least twenty-four percent of students in the United States, teachers should be aware of the prevalent issues of stress and depression in children.

Soulliere (2010)

What is Childhood Depression?

Childhood Depression is the development of intense and persistent sadness accompanied by feelings of hopelessness.

It effects a child’s behavior in the classroom and in everyday life.

Marotz (2000)

Causes

Childhood depression is a product of stress. There are numerous factors that can cause the onset of childhood depression including:

Divorce Death

Abuse Moving

Illness

StressFor children, prolonged or intense stress affects their emotional & physical well-being. All children are at risk for

depression! Those who have behavior and

learning disorders are more susceptible to developing depression

NIMH (2000). Marotz (2000).

Stress can lead to depression!

Symptoms

Signs that a child is suffering from depression or stress may include: Disinterest in friends Lack of appetite Trouble sleeping Loss of energy & enthusiasm Indecision Low self-esteem Constant complaints

Headaches, stomachaches, vomiting, repetitive tics etc.

Marotz (2000)

Condition Management

The American Psychological Association recommends that parents and teachers keep an eye out for negative changes in a child’s behavior. To help children deal with stress: Listen to the child Provide a safe and receptive environment Be patient and supportive Encourage a balanced, nourishing diet Promote healthy outlets for stress

drawing, exercise, painting, music, sports etc. Elena (2011), (Lyness, 2009)

Teaching to Prevent Depression

As teachers, we can *learn about the student and their family *provide a warm, nurturing learning environments*be sensitive to a child's feelings and needs*be honest and receptive*be an advocate & a resource*refer students to the school counselorif more help is needed

Personally Addressing the Issue

My future students will come from a multitude of backgrounds. No matter if the students come from a single-parent household, foster care, are living below the poverty line, or come from middle or upper-class homes, I want all of them to feel loved, safe, and welcome in my classroom. In a nurturing classroom environment, where I will model good character, I will make sure each student has their basic needs (such as breakfast) met. I want my students to enjoy learning and provide them with a consistent and supportive environment so that they may learn to solve problems and deal with stress in a peaceful manner.

By being a positive role model, providing a supportive environment, and promoting healthy, peaceful stress outlets,I hope to prevent depression in my students and teach them how to manage stress, as it is a constant factor throughout life for people of all ages!

Bibliography Alvord, M., Palmiter, D.J. Jr. (2012). Identifying signs of stress in your children and teens. American

Psychological Association. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress-children.aspx

Conis, Elena (2011). Supplements for depression: What the research reveals. LA TIMES. Retrieved from http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-mental-health-supplements-20111205,0,6917033.story

Lyness, D’arcy (2009). Helping kids cope with stress. Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/stress_coping.html#cat145

Marotz, Lynn R. (2009). Health, safety, and nutrition for the young child (7th ed.). Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning.

National Institutes of Mental Health (2000). Depression in children and adolescents. NIMH. Bethesda, MD: Author.

Palomares, Ron (2011). Children are not just small adults when experiencing trauma. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from http://www.yourmindyourbody.org/children-are-not-just-small-adults-when-experiencing-trauma/

Soulliere, Jessica (2010). Top 10 health concerns for kids; Obesity, stress, teen pregnancy worsening. UMHS. Retrieved from http://www2.med.umich.edu/prmc/media/newsroom/details.cfm?ID=1682