Depression has been taking a toll on many people during this uncertain time.

The lives of students have changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The shutdown of schools led to virtual learning. Plenty of graduations have changed course and been either virtual or with a limited audience. 

Understandably, youth mental health is worsening as a result. According to The State Of Mental Health In America, 9.7% of youth in the U.S. have severe depression, which is higher than the 9.2% reported last year. For those that had depression before the pandemic, there is a good chance that recent circumstances have increased those symptoms.

Whether you are a parent, teacher, or any other adult in a student’s life, here are common signs of depression students go through. 

Sleep Changes

Because of how physically and mentally draining depression can be, changes in sleep patterns are common. It can look like your teen is doing nothing but sleep. They may even choose sleep over other activities they once enjoyed. Depression can make it hard to face the world or your loved ones if you feel hopeless and tired all the time.

Depression can also make it hard to fall asleep or even stay asleep at night. Not getting enough sleep can cause your teen’s anxiety levels to escalate and bring about more feelings of distress.                                                                                                                          

Eating Changes

Depression also has an impact on the way you eat. Some have an increased appetite while others show a decrease.

If your teen is having trouble sleeping, there is a good chance their appetite is affected as well. After all, sleep regulates our hunger hormones which prevent us from under-eating or overeating.

A healthy appetite is important for a student to have the energy they need to pay attention in class and do their work.   

Loss of Interest in Hobbies

Depression in students takes the joy out of things they love and makes it hard to form a connection. Students may also not want to take part in clubs anymore, hang out with friends, or do their schoolwork since they lack motivation.

If your teen isolates themselves for at least two weeks, it is possible they are experiencing depression.

Persistent Mood Swings

Depression can cause students to have outbursts and mood swings. Your teen student can seem very happy one minute and very irritable the next. Sometimes, students with depression can experience intense emotions, only to feel numb not long after.

Mood swings can be triggered by small things. Other times, mood swings can appear out of nowhere.

If it looks like these mood swings are not going away, it could mean something more is at play.

How to Treat Student Depression

If your student is experiencing depression, do not be afraid to talk about it with them. There is a good chance they will come to their parents or their friends before exploring other options. Let them know you are listening and that you are there for them. 

Another thing you can do is offer resources. You can find government websites that talk about teen depression or hand them pamphlets from the school’s office. There are also services you can refer them to that are on campus as well as off.

To show how much you care about your student, ask them what they need. Maybe they need more homework help or for someone to check in on them occasionally. Maybe they want to talk to a mental health professional.

Whether your child is in middle school, high school, or college, depression is a serious mental illness that should never go ignored. You and your student can work together to ensure a successful mental health recovery.   

Click here for more information on Depression Treatment.