As a school social worker, I work with many students who describe symptoms of depression. These symptoms range from mild to severe depression. Those with mild depression, related to situational factors, are the majority of self-referrals to the school social worker. Group counseling, focusing on self-disclosure and helping each other solve problems, is particularly successful. Students who responded to questionnaires about the group process stated the most helpful aspects to be a trusting environment and the ability to share their problems with others.
Students experiencing clinical depression present a challenge to the school social worker.
They are less likely to refer themselves and are referred due to suicidal ideations or other symptoms of concern to parents, friends or teachers. These students require extensive intervention which the school alone cannot provide. It is the role of the school social worker to provide assessment and make appropriate referrals to community agencies. It is also important to provide follow-up to help students and families continue with appropriate treatment. This is difficult in a rural school setting for a variety of reasons.