By Mr. Amit Saneja

Modern education is strongly results-oriented, encouraging students to strive for excellence in their studies. Students work tirelessly to achieve their academic goals, striving to meet the expectations of themselves, their parents, their teachers, and society. Although this motivation can lead to achieving satisfactory results, it can also cause emotional tension in some students, leading to psychological distress and even depression.

Teachers and parents need to recognize signs of emotional strain in students so they can provide timely support as they navigate challenges in a fair and healthy way.

The scourge and identifiable cause of depression among students

As many psychologists suggest, depression is apparently not that rare among college students. According to information provided by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 17% of college students are likely to report experiencing at least one episode of major depression each year. Not only high school graduates but also college students are also affected by depression.

School and academic pressures contribute greatly to this. Students often feel like their future depends on their academic success, which can make even the slightest setback devastating. Research also shows that 61% of students report feeling excessive anxiety and 45% report feeling hopeless at some point during the school year.

These feelings, if left unchecked, can escalate into depression. Recognizing depression in a student is not always easy. Many signs may look like normal adolescent behavior, but it’s important to know when something deeper might be going on.

How can parents and teachers help?

While teachers play a vital role in supporting students who may seem depressed, parents are just as crucial. They often have a deeper understanding of behavioral changes, such as unusual sleep patterns, which may be early signs of distress. Parents can easily observe changes outside of school, but teachers usually see things happening in the school environment.

The goal is to create a safe space where students feel free to express themselves openly. Start by asking general questions such as “How do you feel about school?” or “Is anything bothering you lately?” It is also extremely important to actively listen so that students feel heard without offering solutions or judgments too quickly.

There is also the crucial aspect of self-identity. Students should know that their academic success or poor performance in no way affects their sense of being. This is why parents and teachers need to timely remind students that they are fully capable of avoiding feelings/discouragement of failure when it comes to endeavors, especially academic ones.

Strategies to support students with depression

When depression is an unmasked area, there are many options to help “clients” get there. These opportunities include the following ways to help students:

Don’t be a stranger: There is always room for improvement. Students should never be left unsupervised. Make it clear that any student with problems can come to you.

Involvement in non-academic activities: Hobbies and sports can relieve students of academic stress and help them explore their untapped potential. Playing guitar, singing, being part of a drama or sports team, or generally any kind of extracurricular activity, improves self-image and is a good way to relieve stress.

Help exploring other options: Not all students learn effectively from books. When a student is overwhelmed, suggest they apply for a different approach, such as vocational training or an internship. Instead, students need to be aware that there is not just one way to succeed.

Make them understand that there is nothing wrong with complaining: Other times, intervention is necessary. If there is a case where a depressed student does not seem to be changing, recommend a counselor.

Depression among college students is a significant challenge, but it can be managed effectively with proper support. It is essential to recognize the first signs; creating an atmosphere where students feel safe to discuss their emotions makes a huge difference in helping them through difficult times.

In conclusion, Encouraging open communication, promoting self-care practices, and seeking timely professional assistance can ensure that children understand that they are valued beyond just grades and test scores.

(The author is the CEO of Educate Online)

(Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs and views of ABP News Network Pvt Ltd.)

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