This ebooklet provides a brief overview of depression and how to help prevent depression. The lead up to depression may go undetected. Knowing the primary signs such as sadness, feelings of hopelessness and mood changes are critical to early intervention. However, prevention is always better than cure. Teachers and other adults at school can play a key role in helping to prevent, reduce or moderate a child’s negative feelings. For some students, school interactions provide the only positive adult connections they have on a daily basis. Children will often turn to these adults when they are worried, anxious or feeling unwell.The ebooklet contains a wide range of strategies teachers and other school professionals can use to assist the child in the classroom. Strategies can be easily adapted to be included in student’s Individual Learning Plans and psychologist’s reports.

These strategies are designed for use with students in primary and junior secondary schools.