How to differentiate sadness, discouragement, and loss of pleasure that are normal from those that may indicate depression?
Everyone feels sad at times. Reacting with sadness to bad news or frustrations is expected and normal. Discouragement or loss of pleasure, when it is in reaction to an event and for a short time, can also be a part of normal development.
Sadness, discouragement, or loss of pleasure may be a sign of a mental health problem (depression) when accompanied by significant behavior changes. For example, children and adolescents may be quiet or sad for long periods of time, become more easily irritated, lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, avoid going to school, or stop socializing with friends and classmates.
Other warning signs are decreased school performance, frequent complaints of headaches or body aches, frequent crying, overreactions to to situations in which the student feels rejected, and talking about death or ‘going away’ (see Risk of Suicide).
What can we do to help someone who is experiencing excessive sadness or discouragement?
- Make yourself available to talk to the student, allowing them to talk about their feelings and what may be happening in their life. With the student’s consent, share your concerns with their parents/caregivers;
- Encourage activities and physical exercises, which can improve mood;
- Identify and address possible associated factors such as bullying, racism, neglect or maltreatment.
What are unhelpful reactions?
- Talking to the student about their sadness or discouragement in front of other students;
- Dismissing the student’s feelings, or saying that there are people in a worse situation;
- Giving excessive advice, leaving no room for the student to speak without feeling intimidated;
- Using phrases like “you should…” or “you have to…”;
- Pretending not to notice their sadness.