Causes of Depression Among High School Students and Support Strategies from Families and Schools | Safe and Sound

Depression is becoming a worrying problem among high school students – the transitional period between adolescence and adulthood. Invisible pressures from studying, relationships, psychological changes... can cause students to fall into a state of anxiety and prolonged sadness without knowing how to relieve it. If not recognized and supported promptly by family, school and psychologists, depression can lead to serious consequences.

Phi Thuy Linh | Bachelor of Public Health – Mental Health Care Application Safe and Sound

Institute of Medical Technology Applications

1. Causes of depression in high school students

1.1. Excessive academic pressure and expectations

Academic pressure is one of the causes of depression in students.

One of the leading causes of depression in high school students is the pressure of studying and taking exams. This is the stage of preparation for the university entrance exam - the door considered to "determine the future". Students have to compete with scores, tests, extra classes, majors... while still having to achieve high results to please their families, teachers and themselves.

According to psychologists, many students share the feeling of "not being allowed to fail", living in constant anxiety that if they get low scores, they will be blamed, compared, or feel useless.

1.2. Conflicts in relationships

Poor peer relationships, bullying, or feelings of isolation can also cause psychological trauma. Conflicts with friends, school-age lovers, or feelings of not being accepted by a peer group can easily make students feel abandoned, disconnected, and lead to depression.

In addition, psychologists say that family conflicts such as parental divorce, discord, domestic violence, or parents being too busy and not listening to their children can also cause students to fall into a state of prolonged boredom and loneliness.

1.3. Physiological and hormonal changes during puberty

During high school, students experience many physiological, hormonal, and emotional changes. Hormonal changes can make them irritable, anxious, or moody. Without understanding this and guidance on how to manage it, students can become self-conscious, irritable, and easily feel mentally exhausted.

Psychologists recommend that parents and teachers need to be equipped with knowledge about adolescent psychology to understand and accompany students more effectively.

1.4. Pressure from social media and self-comparison

Social networks help connect and entertain, but they are also the cause of students falling into depression. Constantly seeing pictures of happy, beautiful, successful friends can make students feel inferior, incompetent, and self-conscious.

In addition, psychologists warn that being "body-shamed", receiving negative comments or having false information spread on social networks also seriously affects students' psychology.

1.5. Genetic factors and history of psychological disorders

In some cases, depression is related to genetic factors or students have a history of anxiety disorders, insomnia, and depression since childhood. If not intervened early by psychological experts, these symptoms can develop more strongly when entering puberty and high school.

2. Signs of depression in high school students

Early recognition of signs of depression in children plays a very important role.

Early recognition of depression is important in providing timely support to students. Some common symptoms include:

Sadness and melancholy last for days, even weeks.
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
Marked changes in sleep: insomnia or sleeping too much.
Decreased academic performance, loss of concentration.
Low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, self-blame.
Avoid communication, withdraw, do not want to go to school.
Having negative thoughts about death, sometimes expressed through self-harming speech or behavior.

If the above signs last for more than 2 weeks, the family and school need to coordinate to support the student to visit and consult a psychologist for appropriate intervention.

3. How to get support from family

3.1. Create a warm and understanding family environment

Parents play an important role in supporting their children through depression. Listen to them without judgment. Sometimes what your child needs is someone who will listen and empathize with them.

Parents also need to learn how to observe their children's moods through daily behavior such as: facial expressions, changes in activities, eating, sleeping, etc. to promptly recognize unusual signs.

3.2. Avoid applying excessive pressure

Instead of creating pressure for achievement, encourage your child to study according to his/her ability, guide him/her how to make an effective study plan. According to the advice of psychologists, parents should acknowledge their child's efforts instead of just focusing on the results. This helps children feel recognized, reducing feelings of disappointment and low self-esteem.

3.3. Accompanying in extracurricular activities

Encourage your child to participate in sports, social activities, arts... to increase connection and improve mental health. Families should have common activities such as cooking, going out, watching movies on weekends to increase connection and create space for children to share. Psychologists say this is a method to help children relieve pressure.

3.4. Seek professional help

When symptoms of depression are severe and prolonged, parents should take their children to see a psychologist or psychiatrist for appropriate diagnosis and intervention. Early treatment can significantly improve students' mental health.

4. How to get support from the school

4.1. Building a safe and friendly school environment

Schools need to create a learning environment that is not only serious but also friendly, helping students feel respected and not discriminated against. Having policies to prevent school violence and bullying, along with psychological support programs and school psychologists will be a support for students.

4.2. Training teachers in skills to identify and support students

Teachers are the closest to students, so they need to be equipped with knowledge and skills to detect early signs of psychological problems. When teachers notice unusual signs in students, they should discuss with their families and school psychologists to find appropriate support.

4.3. Strengthening the role of school psychologists

Every school should have at least one qualified psychologist to advise, talk to, and support students when needed. Regular psychological counseling sessions, life skills education activities, mental health check-ups, etc. should be implemented regularly.

4.4. Diversify extracurricular activities

Schools need to organize clubs and extracurricular activities such as music playgrounds, sports, drama, skill camps... to help students develop comprehensively, reduce study pressure and have the opportunity to explore themselves, psychological experts share.

Depression in high school students is a problem that cannot be taken lightly. It is not just a "temporary sadness" but can lead to serious consequences if not properly intervened. Family and school are the two most important pillars in accompanying, supporting and guiding students to overcome this turbulent period.

Understanding and taking timely action is the best way to protect the mental health of future generations. If you suspect your child has signs of depression, do not hesitate to seek psychological experts for timely advice and support.

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