Strategies to implement at home:
1. Develop a home–school communication system to share information on the student's academic, social, and emotional behavior and any developments concerning medication or side effects (Crundwel & Killu, 2010) (Bansal, Goyal, & Srivastava, 2009)
2. Promote Social Interaction and present opportunities. Selecting extra-curricular activities in which the student will learn as a team member, rather than independently, can alleviate stress. An after school activity that also includes physical activity can also improve depression and social skills (Hoagwood, Burns, Kiser, Ringeisen, & Schoenwald, 2001).
3. Teach the student how to set goals and self-monitor. Breaking assignments down into specific tasks and creating and managing a timeline for educational work will aid with tasks feeling daunting and taking breaks when a goal is complete gives a useful resting period before tackling the next assignment (Crundwel & Killu, 2010).
Our example student, Jane, had very involved parents who appreciate the work her teachers and school counselor are doing to accommodate her needs. They are involved with her homework and followed the framework for No. 1. However, doing group activities have caused me more stress in the past and as far as extra-curricular activities go, Jane felt forced into doing something she didn't want to do and made her feel less in control, causing more feelings of depression.