PURPOSE
Do you work with secondary students? Do you ever wonder whether their irritability or unhappiness is a simple mood swing or a more serious issue? During the middle and high school years, pre-teens and teens are navigating the pressures of school performance, family life, social status with peers, sexual orientation, and other challenges. While some students may overcome these barriers rather effortlessly, others may suffer from long-term feelings of unhappiness, worthlessness and inadequacy. Some may even be diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder.
One of the most vulnerable groups for completed suicide is the 18-24 age group. Adolescent suicide is the second leading cause of death, following accidents, among youth and young adults in the U.S. It is estimated that 500,000 teens attempt suicide every year with 5,000 succeeding. Many of these teens suffer from depression. Youth who have had a Major Depressive Episode (MDE) in the past year are also more likely than other youth to initiate alcohol and other drug use, experience concurrent substance use disorders, and smoke daily. Thus, as secondary school counselors we must be aware of the symptoms and implications of Major Depressive Disorder so that we can help prevent, detect, and intervene as early and effectively as possible. We are in a unique position in the school that allows us to detect changes in students, develop rapport with them, collaborate with stakeholders, and positively effect student development. This website is designed to assist school counselors by providing information about Major Depressive Disorder, as well as assessment tools, interventions, and resources that can be utilized in the school setting. |
According to the American School Counselors Association Position Statements, professional school counselors have various roles and responsibilities. This website can help guide professional school counselors when working with students with depression, for school counselors:
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References
American School Counselor Association. (2013). Position statements. Retrieved from http://www.schoolcounselor.org/content.asp?pl=325&sl=127&contentid=178
WebMD. (2013). Depression health center. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/teen-depression
American School Counselor Association. (2013). Position statements. Retrieved from http://www.schoolcounselor.org/content.asp?pl=325&sl=127&contentid=178
WebMD. (2013). Depression health center. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/teen-depression