Using School-Based Interventions for Depression Education and Prevention

Depression is the most burdensome noncommunicable condition among young persons aged 10–24 years, with rates of depression rising steeply during the postpubertal period corresponding to the intermediate and secondary school years. Although a high number of children and adolescents experience depressive symptoms or clinical depression, many will not or cannot access health services, and the number of potential cases cannot be dealt with entirely by the health-care system. As such, a public health perspective, which encourages the application of mental health promotion and primary and early secondary prevention, has gained increasing acceptance, as represented by the expansion of school-based depression and mental health interventions. The objective of this chapter is threefold. First, it provides an overview of the accomplishments in school-based depression intervention and mental health promotion and prevention research by presenting both universal and selective prevention approaches, which are delivered prior to the onset of symptoms or a diagnosis. Second, the chapter showcases two successful school-based intervention programs and presents guidance on how to implement each of these models. Third, the chapter discusses limitations in the field, highlights recommendations for implementation, and offers a roadmap for potential future avenues for research, including lessons for adaptation of programs to allow translation to other settings and nations.