1. Stress & Depression in Children
A brief overview of the symptoms of childhood depression and stress, condition management, teaching modifications, and personal classroom modifications
By Julia Watson

2. 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)

3. 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)

4. Causes Divorce Death Abuse Moving Illness
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

5. Stress
For 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!

6. 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)

7. 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)

8. 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 counselor
if more help is needed

9. 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!

10. Bibliography
Alvord, M., Palmiter, D.J. Jr. (2012). Identifying signs of stress in your children and teens. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from
Conis, Elena (2011). Supplements for depression: What the research reveals. LA TIMES. Retrieved from
Lyness, D’arcy (2009). Helping kids cope with stress. Retrieved from
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 experiencing-trauma/
Soulliere, Jessica (2010). Top 10 health concerns for kids; Obesity, stress, teen pregnancy worsening. UMHS. Retrieved from