How to Help Students Overcome Depression & Anxiety

School can be mentally exhausting for a student. The pressures associated with social situations, performance and academic success can create feelings of depression and anxiety. If a student seems to be having a hard time dealing with these symptoms, there are ways to help. Get involved and help your student learn to manage these emotions.

Instructions

How to Help Students Overcome Depression and Anxiety

• 1

  Ask questions. If you notice your child is having difficulty concentrating, is behaving differently or seems to be sad or angry, ask them what is going on. Depression and anxiety may exhibit similar symptoms like feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, changes in sleep patterns and appetite, as well a loss of interest in activities. Depression may appear as anger or irritable moodiness, while anxiety may appear as excessive worry or guilt. Don't be afraid of upsetting your child by asking questions. You can't help if you don't know what type of problem they are having.

• 2

  Offer to help. If your child expresses anxiety over a school situation like test taking, or is struggling academically, explore solutions with your child. Talking with the teacher to make arrangements for special concerns, hiring a tutor to help in weak areas and working with your child to establish a good school and homework routine can help manage the anxiety.

• 3

  Don't be afraid to get involved. If your child is dealing with bullying, they are probably overwhelmed trying to handle it themselves. They may say they don't want you to intervene but sometimes you have to anyway. Try to be discreet. Instead of parading into the class and berating the teacher for not stopping the bullying, send an e-mail or make a call to the school counselor to ask for help.

• 4

  Seek professional help. Consulting a therapist to help your child cope with these extreme emotions can provide your child a safe outlet to share their concerns. The therapist can help them develop coping strategies to handle the anxiety and depressive symptoms.

• 5

  Be a sounding board. Work with your child to practice techniques designed to alleviate anxiety. Role play with your child, practice relaxation techniques, or develop an exercise program to do together. Create a safe environment that allows your child to express their feelings.