Does school cause depression? It’s not an uncommon thought and/or concern among parents and caregivers. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found 40% of students felt persistent hopelessness and sadness. Even more concerning, 20% considered suicide. 

While school provides young adults with valuable opportunities for education, community, and other forms of personal growth, it also introduces significant stressors—from academic pressure and social dynamics to extracurricular commitments and future expectations. These challenges can take a toll on mental health, leaving many teens feeling overwhelmed and struggling to cope.

If you’re worried that school may be contributing to your teen’s depression, understanding the underlying causes can help you take meaningful steps to support them whether or not school is causing depression, causing symptoms of depression, or making it worse. 

How Can School Cause Depression? 

There are a few reasons as to why school may lead to depression or illicit common depression symptoms in teens, such as: 

Academic Pressure 

Most teens feel a deep amount of pressure to get good grades. Bad grades can affect a young adult’s self-worth—they may feel stupid and ashamed. 

This can be even more difficult for students who don’t have time or money after classes to seek a tutor. And when so much hinges on academic success, like scholarships and career opportunities, it’s understandable how much pressure a student feels to do well in school. 

Bullying 

The American Psychological Association describes bullying as “a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort.” It can be an especially isolating experience for minorities like LGBTQ+ and people of color. 

Modern-day bullying can be even more difficult to catch because of social media. Without intervention, this constant harassment can have both physical and mental repercussions for students.

Poor relationships or lack of social connection

Poor relationships or a lack of social connection at school can contribute to feelings of sadness and loneliness. Teens who experience social isolation or struggle to build meaningful friendships may develop low self-esteem and emotional distress as a result. Over time, this sense of disconnection can increase stress, lead to withdrawal from activities, and even contribute to symptoms of depression.

Peer pressure

Building social connections tends to depend on fitting in and gaining acceptance from peers. This can be easier for some, and harder for others. For teens who struggle to form these relationships, the pressure to conform can become overwhelming, leading some to engage in behaviors they are uncomfortable with or go against their values. 

This internal conflict, coupled with the fear of rejection or judgment, may contribute to heightened stress, anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, and ultimately, depression. 

How Do You Know If School Causes Depression In Your Teen? 

It can be difficult to recognize if school causes depression in your teen. Depression could be attributed to teenage moodiness or a desire to be more independent despite necessary restrictions from parents. 

While the signs of depression in students can be overlooked, recognizing them early on can prevent them from becoming dangerously worse. 

• Mood changes:  An apparent, severe change in mood could be a sign of depression because of school. Is your teen more argumentative or emotionally reactive lately? Maybe they seem unhappy despite an obvious reason. 
• Substance use: The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics writes that 62% of teenagers have abused alcohol, and half of teenagers have misused drugs. Illicit substances are not only a common sign of depression but can also lead to it. 
• Social anxiety or withdrawal: It’s important for young adults to have healthy relationships with friends and family for support. A lack of interest in spending time with either can be a symptom of school burnout. 
• Excessive sleep: Sleep is good for health, but too much of it can be a sign that your teen wants to dissociate. They don’t need to think about bad grades or social isolation if they’re sleeping. 
• Bad grades: Does your teen normally get good grades? Depression can make it difficult to concentrate or find the motivation to do well academically. 
• Avoiding after-school activities:  After-school activities encourage new interests and new relationships. Avoiding activities like sports or after-school clubs can be a symptom of an underlying issue. 

Tips To Help Your Teens With School Depression 

Catching symptoms of depression in your teen is one thing, but what can you do after? 

Be Supportive 

When your child gets bad grades or acts self-destructive your first reaction might be to punish them. It stems from a place of concern. Yet, it could worsen their depression instead. 

Take the time to support your child in the form of encouraging words, reminding them of their strengths, and telling them that grades aren’t a reflection of their self-worth. 

Encourage After-School Activities 

Hobbies help relieve stress and can foster passion. The social and academic pressure of high school or college can consume a student. Supporting their interests outside of school can help reduce burnout and remind them that life is more than getting good grades. 

Talk to Your Teen 

Communication is one way to help your teen overcome depression, or at least get started. Therapy has its place in improving their mental health. But talking to your teen about their mental health can give them a safe space to express difficulties with school.

It can also help you stay aware of any symptoms of depression. Regularly talking to your teen can make it easier for them to stay open with you about their struggles.

The Bottom Line 

As a parent, it’s heart-wrenching to watch your child suffer and act in ways that could hurt their future. However, mental health struggles can be managed with intervention and the right support. 

Talk to your teen about academic pressures, if they’re being bullied, or having issues making connections at school. Encourage who they are and what they’re passionate about. While difficult, your teen can overcome depression—and you can help them do it. 

Know When It’s Time to Seek Professional Help

At Paradigm, we offer residential mental health treatment designed for teens ages 12-17. If you believe your child could benefit from professional support for depression, or other mental health conditions, schedule a consultation to find out what treatment options are available to them.