depressioN
DEFINITION
Persistent experience of a sad or irritable mood as well as “anhedonia” a loss of the ability to experience pleasure in nearly all activities. Much more than a child feeling "blue" which is usually the occurrence of everyday emotions. Childhood depression is when sadness takes over their life and they lose all interest in normal activities and start to exhibit disruptive behaviours. Coding: Code 30; Grades 1-12: Code 53 |
CHARACTERISTICS/BEHAVIOURS
Change in appetite, disrupted sleep patterns, increased or diminished activity level, impaired attention, and concentration, and markedly decreased feelings of self worth, complaints of stomach aches. Main Causes: bullying, trauma in life, and obesity *Can only be diagnosed by a specialist and Teacher should notify parents if any of these characteristics become a concern. |
TEACHING STRATEGIES
- Meet with students and parents early in the school year to see what the student’s needs are. What are their strengths and weaknesses, any other associated disorders, strategies used at home. - If the student is taking medication know the possible side effects to be aware of. - Develop a system to share information with fellow staff members. - Coordinate with school peer support groups as an outlet for all students to go to as a safe place to discuss issues. - Use energizers in class. - Acknowledge the students strengths and allow a strong relationship to build between each other. |
RESOURCES
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/inmdict/html/pdf/Depression_E.pdf
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/handouts/social%20template.pdf
http://education.alberta.ca/media/825847/spedcodingcriteria.pdf
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ty4640
http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/ps-7344-mhk-jhs-manual.pdf
http://www.psych.ualberta.ca/~hoglund/PEERSlab/assets/peers-roundtable-depressive-symptoms.pdf
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/inmdict/html/pdf/Depression_E.pdf
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/handouts/social%20template.pdf
http://education.alberta.ca/media/825847/spedcodingcriteria.pdf
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ty4640
http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/ps-7344-mhk-jhs-manual.pdf
http://www.psych.ualberta.ca/~hoglund/PEERSlab/assets/peers-roundtable-depressive-symptoms.pdf