Depression in pupils: 10 tips for teachers

1. de-tabooing crises

Break the taboos surrounding crises - such as the separation of parents or the illness of a family member - and excessive demands by talking openly about such topics in class.

2. teach how to deal with frustration

Teaching students how to deal with frustration, failure and disappointment by talking to them about it and also telling them about their own experiences.

Create a sense of achievement and praise even small steps.

3. identify strategies for coping with stress

Identify and practise favourable strategies for coping with stress and crises.

4. create a sense of achievement

Create a sense of achievement, praise even small steps and set achievable goals: Divide projects into small sections.

5. strengthen cohesion

Facilitate forms of encounter that strengthen cohesion and solidarity with the school, for example on joint class afternoons or in project weeks.

6. promote integration

Promote the integration of marginalised pupils in the classroom, for example by entrusting them with tasks that promote contact between pupils.

7. guarantee opportunities to have a say

Ensure that pupils have a say, for example in the class council or at the school assembly.

8. publicise counselling services

Publicise counselling and support services for teachers, pupils and parents in the school via notices and newsletters.

9. sensitise other teachers to early detection

Define responsibilities and procedures in the teaching staff with regard to the early identification of pupils at risk and clarify who teachers can contact if they notice any abnormalities.

10. hold regular discussions

Build up a relationship of trust with the pupils through regular discussions in everyday life.

Source: Berner Gesundheit, www.bernergesundheit.ch > Topics A-Z > Depression and suicide