Is depression more than just a feeling of sadness and when is it a risk?
Depression
When kids feel sad, irritable or anxious most of the time, this is not considered a ‘normal’ part of adolescence.
Depression may be indicated by uncharacteristic behaviour such as social withdrawal, changes to academic performance, use of drugs or alcohol, or even engaging in risky behaviour. The symptoms and signs are a combination of what a parent can see externally, plus what a child is feeling internally.
Every child can feel sad or down in response to a particular situation. However, these feelings should only last a short time and should not interfere with a child’s day-to-day activities.
Should the sadness continue for longer than two weeks, then your child could be at risk of depression. This is more than just sadness, it is a serious health problem with no singular cause. Usually depression is the result of a combination of things.
In this edition of SchoolTV parents will learn how identify the signs of depression and what the effects are on their child’s wellbeing and overall health.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition. If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact your child’s Head of House, Year 9 Director / Head of Community or Wellbeing Support Service for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the Depression edition of SchoolTV https://notredame.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/depression
“Low self-esteem is often flagged as a predictor of adolescent depression. Research shows that children who perceive themselves as academically, socially or physically incompetent, are more vulnerable to depression.”
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
Helping your child to be a good friend
For your child, starting secondary school can be a time of both excitement and uncertainty, especially when it comes to making friends and finding their place in the school community.
Social inclusion is important for their well-being, and learning how to navigate friendships and manage conflict is a big part of this process.
Making Friends and Being Inclusive
One of the first steps to social inclusion is making an effort to reach out and be friendly. Encourage your child to talk to new people, even if it feels a bit awkward at first. They might like to join clubs, participate in class activities, or simply sit with someone new at lunch. Remind them that friendships often start with small conversations, that showing kindness can go a long way and that inclusion means being welcoming to others who might feel left out too.
Qualities of a Good Friend
Your child should understand that a good friend is someone who listens, supports them, and makes them feel valued. It’s important they look for friends who respect their boundaries and share their values. A good friend is there in both the fun and tough times, and they should be willing to do the same for their friends, too. Loyalty, honesty, and trust are key qualities to look for when building strong friendships.
Managing Friendship Groups and Conflict
In secondary school, friendship groups can sometimes be tricky to navigate. There might be moments of misunderstanding or conflict, and that’s okay. The key is to encourage your child to communicate openly and respectfully when issues arise. If a conflict happens, remind them to stay calm, listen to the other person’s side, and express how you feel without blaming anyone. It’s important they recognise that no friendship is perfect, and resolving disagreements in a healthy way can make the relationship even stronger.