Depression and Back-to-School: Warning Signs and Tips for Parents

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on 2 January 2024 and updated on 22 December 2025.

Depression is not limited to adults: children and adolescents can experience it too, especially during periods of intense stress or when their daily routine undergoes significant changes. Situations such as moving to a new home, relocating to another city, or returning to school after a long break – for example, after the winter holidays - can act as triggers and affect their emotional well-being.

Here we highlight the main signs of depression to watch for children and teens and offer practical tips to help them manage back-to-school stress. These insights can support families in guiding young people through this transition with greater calm and confidence.

Warning Signs for Parents

As a parent, you may wonder what the signs of depression in school are. Moreover, should you bring it up?

The quickest way to identify depression in teens is to be aware of clues and ask questions. You should pay close attention to the following warning signs:

• Sudden drop in grades.
• Change in sleep patterns or the desire to be alone.
• Lack of focus or forgetfulness.
• Irritability.
• Self-harm or change in hygiene.
• Giving items away.
• Suicidal thoughts or increased mentions of death.

Other clues of depression in teens are lack of appetite, alcohol or drug use, and negative self-talk (‘nothing I do is right/nothing matters’),”. If your child exhibits symptoms of depression in school, it’s important that you connect your child with a health care professional for support.

The good news? As a parent, you can minimize the link between depression and back-to-school for your own child this year.

Steps Parents Can Take

Just like we help kids learn about brushing their teeth, hygiene, and exercise, start talking about health and wellness, including mental health early on. If we talk to young people about coping skills and what to do when they don’t feel good emotionally, we have created a channel to talk about it more easily as more intense experiences arise.

When the back-to-school transition looms on the horizon, specialists

suggest adjusting bedtime routines a few weeks before school starts, and discussing any peer concerns your child might have. It’s a good time for parents to process with their children and provide strategies for how to handle anything that comes up.

Make mental health and wellness a part of your conversation with your kids. Ask questions to help your child feel confident, well-adjusted, and prepared for this back-to-school season, and throughout the school year.

If you notice unusual behavior or signs of emotional distress in your child, consider consulting a specialist. Early professional support can be essential for understanding what your child is experiencing and for implementing targeted strategies that promote a faster and more balanced recovery.

Book an appointment with a psychology specialist at UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital.