Are there any ways schools can prevent, or lessen the occurrence of, depression in their students?
Schools can prevent or lessen the occurrence of depression in their students by: • providing in-service training for school personnel on recognizing depression in teens, being a supportive adult in the teens’ lives, and suggesting the steps teens can take to help themselves feel better; • being aware of changes in students’ behavior and how to intervene with caring support before the depression worsens; • offering counseling and/or mentoring relationships as an option for teens who are having a hard time; • offering mental health education that focuses on talking about feelings and how teens can help themselves feel better when they are feeling badly; • being aware of situations where students are being harassed or bullied and taking corrective action so all students feel safe and comfortable in the school; • teaching diversity so students respect each other in spite of individual differences; • providing curriculum options so that there are classes and programs that meet the needs of
