Embedded Files
Post Falls School District Elementary Counseling Program
Fact Sheet: DEPRESSION
Information for Home
About Depression
What you may see at home
How to help your child
Depression is a medical disorder that causes a person to feel sad
There is no single cause for depression. There are many interrelated factors that put a child at risk for developing depression
Feelings are very intense and can last for weeks/months
Children may be unaware or unwilling to admit depressive behavior, feelings, and/or symptoms
It can seem that the child is acting lazy or defiant when they are struggling with depressive symptoms
Most common treatment recommendations would be therapy and medication
Adults should become concerned when symptoms last more than two months and don’t respond to regular parent/caregiver support
Increased and frequent feelings of sadness
Loss of energy
Difficulty concentrating
Change in grades
Increased trouble at school
Refusing to go to school
Change in eating/sleeping habits
Feeling angry/irritable
Hypersensitive
Feeling worthless
Lack of motivation
Low self-esteem
Frequent crying
Irrational worries/fears
Persistent somatic complaints
Failing to engage in activities they once enjoyed
Overly sensitive to criticism
May need extra time to finish tasks
Change in social groups
Self-harm
Increased risky behavior
Thoughts of death/suicide
Contact your family physician for information and possible referrals to other supports
Break responsibilities into smaller tasks
Address negative self-talk
Reinforce positive behavior and thoughts
Set up social time with peers and family
Listen to and acknowledge child’s feelings
Communicate with classroom teacher, counselor and other involved professionals
Seek immediate medical attention at local hospital if child is feeling suicidal
Additional Resources for Depression
Kootenai Health's Depression and Bi-Polar Support Group: 208-666-2960
Parent Support group @ Alliance Family Service in CDA: 208-664-9729
www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/docs/depression_resource.pdf
www2.massgeneral.org/schoolpsychiatry/info_depression.asp
www.parenting.com/article/6-things-to-know-about-child-depression
National Institute for Mental Health: www.nimh.nih.gov
SAMHSA’S National Mental Health Information: www.mentalhealth.sahsa.gov
SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education) www.save.org
National Alliance for Mental Health (NAMI) www.nami.org
You may always contact your child’s school counselor for additional resources/information
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