Talking about depression is not just a necessary conversation: it is a preventive action. Especially among children and adolescents, emotional well-being often manifests in ways we do not always recognize at first glance.
One in five adolescents has experienced a major depressive episode (NIMH, 2021). In high school, nearly four in ten students report persistent sadness or hopelessness (CDC, YRBS, 2021). These are not “isolated cases”; they are sitting in our classrooms every day.
When we think of depression, we often associate it with visible sadness, crying, or isolation. But working with children and adolescents, we know that this is not always the case. Sometimes it comes disguised as constant irritability, prolonged silences, apathy, lack of motivation, or even defiant behavior. Instead of saying “I'm sad,” they may say “I don't care,” “I don't want to do anything,” or “Leave me alone.” And that's where we can fail: we confuse the warning signs with lack of interest, laziness, or behavioral problems.
There are signs that should catch our attention, especially if they last more than two weeks: marked changes in mood or behavior, isolation, constant irritability, low motivation, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep or eating habits, and personal or academic neglect. Recognizing them does not mean panicking; rather, it means pausing, observing, and listening more intently.
Prevention does not require being a mental health specialist. It often begins with simple but powerful actions: a genuine greeting, a question asked with real interest, listening without interrupting or minimizing, and avoiding invalidating phrases such as “you'll get over it” or “it's not that big of a deal.” Being consistently present can make a profound difference.
For many students, school is one of the few places where they feel seen and safe. The adults who are there matter more than they realize, even on days when they feel like they are not accomplishing anything.
Ask your son or daughter who their support person is at school, who they would turn to if they needed to talk or if something was wrong. Talking about depression does not cause it, but ignoring it makes it worse. Sometimes, the most therapeutic thing is not having the right answer, but being there.
If someone needs urgent help, in Puerto Rico, the 9-8-8 hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is confidential and free.