How educators can support students with depression
When students have depression, it’s more than just being sad, and it can affect every part of their school experience. It’s a serious issue that needs attention. Research shows that depression at a young age increases risk for future substance abuse, mental and physical health issues, and suicide. If you’re noticing a student struggling to concentrate or withdrawing from their favorite activities, it can be easy to assume laziness or lack of motivation is at play. However, these and other signs, like irritability and fatigue, are often symptoms of depression.
As an educator, learning to recognize the signs is the first step to helping students with depression. Offering connections to mental health resources is part of the process. Read on for tips on identifying signs of depression and ways you can provide support. You’re a teacher, not a therapist, but that doesn’t mean you can’t offer classroom support for students with depression.
Recognizing signs of depression in students
Noticing issues like depression and anxiety in students can be challenging. It’s critical that educators and school personnel know how to, though. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 5 million teenagers ages 12 to 17 have experienced at least one major depressive episode, which is more than 20% of the population.
Part of what makes it so difficult is that teenagers’ hormones and behaviors can overlap with mood fluctuations that are common depressive symptoms. By paying close attention, you can learn to spot patterns that might suggest someone is struggling. Instead of trying to diagnose depression, focus on identifying symptoms that concern you, so you can connect a student with the type of support they need. Use the following “symptom checklist” to observe day-to-day patterns that might be problematic.
Emotional and behavioral indicators
Take note if a student suddenly withdraws from social activities or seems more irritable. A hallmark symptom of depression is loss of interest in things that someone once enjoyed. So, if a student who used to participate in everyday school activities suddenly seems disconnected or frustrated, it might be a sign. You can also watch for students who begin avoiding group interactions or demonstrating frequent emotional outbursts.
Opportunity for clinician quote: What are the most commonly overlooked signs of depression in school-aged students? There are several signs that a student may be experiencing depression including: a persistent low or sad mood, irritability, withdrawal in activities they used to enjoy, changes in sleep and eating patterns, physical complaints, or acting out behaviors.
Academic and classroom red flags
Anytime there’s a notable drop in grades or an increase in missing assignments, it might be a red flag. Students who once had no problem paying attention and studying but now have difficulty concentrating might be dealing with depression. For example, if a student has historically been punctual but starts showing up late, missing school altogether, or appears sleepier and disengaged in lessons, it could be a sign that their mental health is impacting their academic performance.
Physical and social symptoms
There are physical and social symptoms of depression that might show up in students’ behavior. Unexplained fatigue, a change in eating patterns, and social isolation are all common signs of depression. Notice if a student looks tired, eats irregularly, or starts avoiding friends.
Risk signals requiring immediate action
Some signs of depression demand urgent attention. Self-injury, talking about suicide, or unexplained extended absences should all be worrisome. It’s vital that if you see or hear anything alarming, you escalate your concerns immediately. Rely on school counselors or mental health professionals in your school to offer timely help.
EXPERT INSIGHTS
Adolescence can be a real challenge related to hormonal changes and so it can be difficult to discern between typical development and something more to be concerned about. If a student has a change in behavior and it’s at a level that they are not functioning the way they previously did that should be a sign to have further conversations with the student.
- Laura Magnuson, MA, MS, LAMFT, VP of Clinical Engagement
5 ways teachers can provide classroom support
You don’t need to be a licensed therapist to offer your students meaningful support when they need it. The key is compassion, understanding, and flexibility, along with recognizing that even small changes can help reduce stress and foster trust.
Check in with students privately and consistently
Don’t be afraid to check in with students, but make sure you do it privately. You can start with a low-pressure conversation that shows students you care and you’ve noticed changes in their behavior or mood. A brief “how are you today?” as a student passes by your desk or walks through the door can let them know you’re there without making them feel singled out.
EXPERT INSIGHTS
One way to check in with all students to get feedback is through digital surveys that ask about well being, feelings and academic struggles. This allows students to provide private feedback and follow up that occur individually.
- Laura Magnuson, MA, MS, LAMFT, VP of Clinical Engagement
Break down assignments into manageable steps
Depression can be a large cause of stress in students and make it difficult for them to focus, stay organized, and meet deadlines. Chunking tasks, scaffolding, and providing study resources and outlines are all effective ways to help students feel like they’re making progress without becoming overwhelmed by the big picture.
Allow flexible deadlines and reduced workload when needed
Students with depression benefit from knowing that deadlines are flexible and their workload can be reduced if required. As their teacher, you can prioritize mastery in progress instead of fast, perfect end results. Providing a flexible timeline shows students you understand their struggles. This understanding can often serve as motivation to empower students on difficult days.
Use classroom adjustments to lower stress
A positive classroom environment can reduce stress and support students in managing depression. Gentle lighting, quiet background music, fidget tools, and scheduled movement breaks can all create a calm atmosphere, helping students with depression focus as they learn to master emotional regulation.
Offer low-pressure participation options
Depression can make interacting with others incredibly painful and stressful. Offering alternatives for group work, like written responses or observation roles, allows students to feel included and engaged with their work without feeling anxious about socializing.
Collaborating with school mental health professionals
Your role as an educator is to teach, not to be a primary mental health provider. While having the tools to identify and support students with depression on your own is important, you shouldn’t hesitate to partner with counselors, school psychologists, and social workers when needed. Be ready to share any specific observations about a student to offer a complete understanding of what’s happening. For example, you might share that you notice a student hasn’t turned in an assignment in several weeks, or that they’re missing more school lately, or that they seem withdrawn and not focused on lessons.
When reaching out to parents or family, be sensitive and knowledgeable about your school’s policies. Collaborating with a team helps ease the responsibility you feel and ensures students get the comprehensive care they need.
Schoolwide strategies to support students with depression
Every school should have strategies to support students with depression. Mental health extends beyond the individual classroom, so when a school fosters a culture of care using a systematic approach, it’s more effective in treating depression.
Staff training and awareness
Staff, faculty, and other school members should be trained to recognize mental health needs. Training enables them to respond effectively and proactively. Armed with knowledge, the school community will be the safest and most informed, which will ultimately benefit students the most.
Building systemic supports
Systemic support and protocols for referrals, interventions, and ongoing mental healthcare through school-based mental health programs are crucial when dealing with a student who’s depressed. Consistent responses throughout the school mean that every student can receive the care they need, wherever they are.
Normalizing conversations about mental health
Normalizing conversations about mental health is essential for reducing stigma. Open dialogue about the importance of mental well-being lets students know it’s OK to ask for help when they need it. Mental health education should be embedded into the curriculum, and you can also hold assemblies that promote wellness awareness.
Supporting students beyond the classroom
Remember that depression isn’t a choice. It’s a mental health condition that needs compassion, flexibility, and stability to support students. Your willingness to help matters. Combining your efforts with professional mental healthcare and family involvement is the best way to combat student depression. Partnering with online platforms like Talkspace is an effective way to extend support beyond the school day so students have accessible, affordable, and confidential therapy options.
Deepening your understanding and learning practical ways to help will make your school a stronger and more resilient learning environment for all students. Request a demo from Talkspace today to see how teachers can help students with depression. With therapy for students, you can ensure the appropriate support for depression.
Sources:
- Galaif, Elisha R, Steve Sussman, Michael D Newcomb, and Thomas F Locke. 2007. “Suicidality, Depression, and Alcohol Use Among Adolescents: A Review of Empirical Findings.” International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health 19 (1): 27–36. https://doi.org/10.1515/ijamh.2007.19.1.27. Accessed September 13, 2025.
- “Major Depression.” n.d. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression. Accessed September 13, 2025.
- McCurdy, Bethany H., Mikaela D. Scozzafava, Travis Bradley, Ryan Matlow, Carl F. Weems, and Victor G. Carrion. 2022. “Impact of Anxiety and Depression on Academic Achievement Among Underserved School Children: Evidence of Suppressor Effects.” Current Psychology 42 (30): 26793–801. Depression is a complex mental health condition that affects cognitive, behavioral, physical, and social functioning. It looks different from student to student, so it can be hard to spot if you don’t have the training. It’s essential to know that when a student is depressed, it’s not due to a lack of willpower or attitude. . Accessed September 13, 2025.
