安宁 深圳外国语学校高三年级

I was trapped in the mire of depression from the time I entered high school. But I conquered it.

There seemed to be no reason for it: I had scored high marks to enter Shenzhen Foreign Language School which has a beautiful campus, very easy schoolwork and fascinating activities. However, I began to suffer from depression.

Insomnia, constant headaches, low spirits, frequent thoughts of suicide... All these lasted for 12 months. I asked for help, but the misunderstanding added more desperation. It was not until one year later that I called doctors for help. After several months of taking pills, I felt cheerful again. Now, I’m preparing for the coming National College Entrance Examinations and have resolved to help more people tackle the problem.

As to the reasons behind the disease, I think lack of love and bad experiences in childhood lead to depression. If somebody around you often feels depressed for a long time, some steps must be taken. The school should contact a psychologist as soon as possible, teachers should keep an eye on them and be more considerate, parents should learn more about depression through books or the Internet, and classmates should care about them and not tease them or isolate them.

吕依依 南头中学高一（5）班

I think there are three reasons behind depression. First, having too much work to do makes students feel upset. In school, they must study hard. After school, they are forced to join activities they don’t like. They have little time to sleep and to do the things they like.

Second, young people have many new thoughts and troubles. But when they get into trouble, they don’t know what to do and who to turn to for help. So they have to bury them in their heart.

Third, some students are not good at studies. After exams, they often feel very sad.

吴丹 南头中学高一（8）班

Nowadays, students suffer more and more pressure. The competition in society is the biggest challenge. Some students may have the wrong attitude towards their academic performance. It can be a factor which leads to depression.

Another factor is bad relationships with others. Terrible communication with parents makes them disappointed with family. Isolation at school makes them feel lonely. Not getting along well with others also influences their mental health.

If someone around us feels depressed, we should try our best to help him. We can persuade him to seek counseling, or see a psychologist to find out the problem. If he seldom speaks to others, we can talk to him. And we should tell him to understand others. If he feels depressed with studies, we can teach him to relax by taking part in sports actively, listening to light music and having enough rest.

陈加淼 南头中学高一(5)班

In my mind, the reason why students refuse to tell their parents their problems is that they think they can live independently. They don’t want to depend on their parents because it may show they are weak. But when a big problem comes and they are not able to deal with it well, they have to choose to evade or kill themselves.

Edmund Labay,

consultant/strategist

Depression is caused by the severe maltreatment of the changing environment around the individual. That individual cannot voice his/her opinion, so miseries and anxieties are left unresolved. Depression can be remedied in the following areas:

School — Students should be reminded of what are good and bad. Counseling and advice should be given immediately at the right time.

Teachers — Teachers should allow everybody to participate in the class. No matter how dull the student is, he/she must be asked to stand and recite.

Parents — Parents should always talk to their children. They should let their children participate in decision-making. Children should have a share in the family circle.

Classmates — Classmates should not be confined to two or three friendships. They should associate themselves with others. Random class seats offer students a chance to sit beside anybody and to know each other.

Questions:

1. Depression has become a common problem affecting students. In your mind, what factors lead to depression?

2. If somebody often feels depressed, what measures can school, teachers, parents and classmates do to help him or her tackle the problem?

See article in March 21 NIE Page 1

Student’s death raises

mental health concerns