Depression and telling School

[adviceschool]

DD recently diagnosed with depressed and has now begun medication.

We are at that point where considering telling School. School unaware at this point. She has started 6th form and is a high achiever. Reason for telling School is just in case she needs extra support at school or struggles there.but we are also afraid of the stigma or School holding it against her even if she is coping at school. There isn't anybody I can ask about this so please can you give me your honest experience of how things have been when you have told School.

I am a teacher.

In school we see this ALL of the time. please do not think that there is any stigma - in fact quite the opposite.

It will give her the support that she needs, e.g. if she is struggling to meet a deadline and it's all getting too much school may give a little more compassion.

Best point of call in my school would either be her tutor or her head of sixth form, it can come from either you or her. If you wanted to just make her teachers aware and them never mention it to her (e.g. if she doesn't want anyone to mention it) that is also fine too.

Please, tell the school, it will get her the support she may need.

Thank you so much. I was hoping a teacher may respond after I had posted. This is really reassuring . Thank you

I am an ex teacher. I would tell them if DD would agree. It will help teachers to support her.