This afternoon I read the article Preemptive Measures by Elizabeth Svoboda. I think it is an important topic to have deep thinking as so many kids struggle with depression nowadays. Some problems might be enlightened by this article.

Researchers have found out that the earlier to intervene depression, the better the outcomes are, which means it would be best if we could have some programs to forestall depression when teens are at risk of it. In my city, most of the schools have added psychology courses to prevent teen’s depression. However, the results are not promising. Still a lot of students feel depressed about their lifetime, being less motivated to achieving a higher standard. The problem might lies in implementing a schoolwide program, instead of a targeted project. By having a lot of students with no depression symptoms, feeling that they don’t need to take the courses, the ones that really need these courses are having insufficient attention, which the problems can’t be solved thoroughly.

Apart from having a schoolwide program or a one-on-one session, it might be better if we can screen the students who are truly at risk of depression and gather them together to have some interactions. Teachers can teach them some skills to help them keep their stress in control and have appropriate reactions to different situation. The most important is the power of peers. They can give advice to each other, which help them to think positive when they are in dilemma. Also, they get to know that they are not lonely with so many peers having the similar condition with them. By having such program, it will not only teaches children skills of how to cope with difficulties, the skills and the positive environment it provides will incentive children to make wiser decisions, which might have significant influence to their future life.