Dr Michael Wooldridge estimated that about 20 per cent of all Australian children and adolescents could have experienced mental health problems, with half of these showing impaired schooling and social development. It is a huge problem. It is absolutely appropriate that this be addressed,'' hesays. Depression can affect a student in many ways, Professor Patton says. Concentration, sleep and self confidence will be affected and there may be absenteeism from school.
Depression is also one of the greatest predictors of school dropout rates.
He said depression should be prevented and treated like any other illness. Dr Wooldridge says. A practical resource for teachers in all government and non-government secondary schools, MindMatters, has also been developed to tackle mental health in the classroom. Professor Patton says depression can have different meanings for different people. It can also be used to refer to something more than feeling down, feeling a bit tired, irritable, maybe not concentrating on school work.