Be supportive and make time to listen
The first step is to have a conversation. Ask children and young people how they’re feeling, let them know it’s OK to seek help, and that you’re ready to listen to whatever they want to say.
If the child or young person doesn’t want to talk, respect their choice but don't let this throw you off – it’s OK to keep reminding them that you care and will listen to their story another time. If the child or young person does wish to talk, help them open up by showing interest and listening to them talk about school, friends and home. If they have difficulty explaining how they’re feeling, suggest some feeling words (for example, angry or sad) to stimulate discussion.
Talking about problems in a supportive way can often start to improve a child or young person’s mood. If this doesn’t improve within a few weeks, it’s important to seek additional support.
Help children and young people to problem-solve
If a situation has caused them distress, help them solve the problem or find ways to improve it.
Talk with your school’s wellbeing staff, psychologist or counsellor
Such discussions may be useful in deciding the next steps to take in helping the child or young person. It may lead to a meeting with the family to talk further. Remember to also keep confidentiality in mind.
Connect with families
It’s important to appropriately share information with families and find out whether the child or young person’s mood is similar at home. When mood and behaviour changes are happening at home and at school, it can suggest the mental health issues may be more serious.
Address school-based triggers
If you believe that school-based triggers, such as bullying, may be impacting the child or young person’s mental health and wellbeing, raise it with leadership to ensure issues are addressed appropriately.
Give positive feedback
While this is important for all children and young people, it’s even more critical when an individual is depressed. Your positive feedback will help to counter their tendency to tune into only negative feedback about themselves, which can maintain low mood.
Provide opportunities for success
Let the child or young person know you have confidence in their ability and support them to succeed socially and academically.
Encourage getting involved
Praise and encourage children and young people for their efforts. Try to involve them in physical activity and enjoyable events. Encouraging children and young people to keep up with normal routines and activities helps to distract them from negative thinking patterns.
Model positive actions
Label experiences to encourage interactions that promote positivity. For example, with younger children, you might say, “That was fun”, “I liked Jack’s joke – it made me smile” or “I like happy stories – they make me feel happy too.”
For older children and adolescents, you might say, “I can see you put a lot of effort into achieving such a good grade for this project. That must be very rewarding” or “It’s great that you’re thinking about how to look after yourself. Sometimes when I’m going through a difficult time, I find it helpful having someone to talk through my options with. Perhaps we can work out together how we can get some information or help.”
Foster positive social relationships
Children and young people who are depressed may withdraw from social contact. However, friends can provide important support. Remind other students about how to help everyone feel they belong.
Provide extra learning support
Help students to catch up once they start to feel better. This support is particularly important, as falling behind in schoolwork can cause stress that may aggravate depression.
Learn more about common signs and symptoms of depression in children and young people.