Emotion

al
Depressi
on
AKA:
Major
Depressio
n,
Major
Depressiv
e
Disorder
Clinical
Depressio
n

Definition &
AB Educ.
Code

Feelings of
severe
despondency
and
dejection.
It is an
internalizing
disorder that
involves a
childs
feelings,
thoughts and
behaviours,
exhibits
chronic and
pervasive
behaviours
that interfere
with the
learning and
safety of the
student/child,
other
students/child
ren and staff.

Characteristics
&/or
Observable
Behaviours

Teaching
Strategies

1. Communicate with
parents to discuss
strategies for helping
Poor concentration
children learn and feel
Thoughts of death better.
or suicide.
2. Invite children to
Extended periods
share their feelings and
of excessive
create routine
sadness, feelings
opportunities for
of hopelessness,
reflecting on and
or crying.
sharing their feelings
Loss of interest in
(e.g., circle time or
activities.
journal writing).
Sleep problems
3. Refer children to and
(too much or too
encourage children to
little).
use the PEERS feelings
strategies.
Change in
4. Be consistent with
appetite resulting
in weight loss/gain routines and use visual
schedules.
Lack of energy or
excessive fatigue. 5. Focus on the positive.
6. Create opportunities
Feelings of
for healthy living.
worthlessness or
7. Teach short-term
guilt.
goal-setting for
Increased
academic work.
irritability or

Resources

Canadian Mental
Health Association:
mental health for all
website:
http://www.cmha.ca/m
ental_health/childrenanddepression/#.VLxk
bYrF9XZ
Supporting positive
behaviour in Alberta
schools: A classroom
approach:
http://www.learnalbert
a.ca/content/inspb2/ht
ml/supporting_positive
_behaviour_orange.pdf
Medical/Disability
information for
classroom teachers:
http://www.learnalbert
a.ca/content/inmdict/h
tml/depression.html
Teaching students with
mental health
disorders ministry of
education:
http://www.bced.gov.b
c.ca/specialed/docs/de
pression_resource.pdf

There is no
one cause for
depression.
Research
suggests a
dynamic and
complex
interplay
between
several
factors.
It may be
caused by a
loss, by
genetic or
biochemical
factors, or by
past or
ongoing
trauma.
Coding: 30,
42, 53 (ECS:
Code 30;
Grades 112:
Code 53)
To be
clinically
depressed
you need to
exhibit at

anger.
Physical violence
toward other
persons and/or
physical
destructiveness
toward the
environment
Somatic
complaints
(Stomach-aches,
nausea,
headaches,
body aches or
vague
complaints).
Preoccupation
with death.
Social withdrawal.
Inability to
establish or
maintain
satisfactory
relationships with
peers or adults.
Inappropriate
behaviour or
feelings under
ordinary
conditions

8. Build a support
network by promoting
peer assistance.
9. Record unusual
behaviours (e.g., in a
log) and communicate
concerns with mental
health professionals
(e.g., school counselor).
10. A well-designed
classroom: layout,
movability, etc.
11. Establish an I need
a break system.
12. Establish high levels
of structure and routine.

Hospital School
Programs Resources:
http://www.bcchildrens
.ca/YourVisit/SchoolSer
vices.htm
http://www.calgaryhea
lthregion.ca/ACH/progr
ams_services/services.
html
http://schools.cbe.ab.c
a/b108/pdfs/DrGordon
TownsendARJ13.pdf

least 5

symptoms
and have it
persist for at
least 2
weeks.
A child may

have multiple
symptoms of
depression
but not meet
criteria for
clinical
depression.

Difficulty
accepting the
realities of
personal
responsibility and
accountability
May have a
diagnosis of:
conduct disorder,
schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or
OCD.