As October marks Depression Awareness Months, Students at OH are encouraged to recognize the signs of depression, understand the importance of mental health and support those who may be struggling.
Depression is more than a sad feeling on a difficult day. It can affect how someone thinks, feels, behaves, and functions in their daily life. Symptoms may include losing interest in hobbies, changes in sleeping or eating habits, difficulty concentrating in class, and withdrawing from friends and family.
For teenagers, recognizing these signs is especially important as they navigate the pressures of school, social media, and responsibilities outside of school.
“Ordinary sadness is a natural human emotion that we all feel at times,” said Gina Robuck, an OH school psychologist. “Depression is something that’s more persuasive, longer lasting and more profoundly impacting on everyday functioning.”
Depression can affect several areas of a student’s life, including academic performance, relationships and daily life.
In recent years, depression rates have skyrocketed, in part due to the rise of housing insecurity, uncertainty about the future, and the social isolation and digital overuse that occurred during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. This is especially seen within the teens and young adults, who have the highest percentage.
According to Washington Behavioral Medicine Associates, in 2025, 15.1% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 had a past year major depressive episode.This data shows that many teens struggle the most because of factors like school, relationships, and adjusting to changes happening in their daily lives.
Another psychologist at OH, Tina Brazen, states that the environment around students would be helpful to those struggling with depression or mental health.
“I think it’s okay to feel sad… we’re social beings, so supporting each other and being present to listen is important,” Brazen said.
The most important action for students is to check up on friends and family to raise awareness on this issue. Many students and teens struggle with their mental health, and it’s important for people around them to provide opportunities to speak up and raise awareness.
For students it’s a good idea to find a trusted person in their school. A trusted friend, counselor, or teacher is important so students have someone to talk to regarding their mental health. OH offers many ways to cope, such as appointments with counselors and awareness on mental health.
