EDSE 519 - Helping Children Overcome Depression

Depression, often considered a primarily adult condition, is on the rise among children and teens. Childhood depression, historically known as chronic sadness and pervasive negative thinking, has only recently been diagnosed as a more serious condition requiring intervention and, often, professional treatment. But how can you know if your students are suffering from depression, and how can you help them if they are?

In this course, you will learn to identify the causes and symptoms of childhood depression. Although children with depression may require medical care beyond what a teacher can offer, you will be equipped with strategies to help students overcome negative thinking styles and harmful emotional patterns. In addition, you’ll gather tools for fostering a child’s support system and involving parents, and you’ll develop techniques for cultivating a positive classroom culture using the mindfulness approach.

Using the resources and strategies from this course, you will be able to support your students struggling with depression to help them redirect their thinking and pursue academic success in spite of the challenges they’re facing.