What intervention should a school nurse implement for an adolescent experiencing depression due to relocation?

Scheduling an appointment with a school-based counselor is an effective intervention for an adolescent experiencing depression due to relocation because counselors are specifically trained to address mental health issues, particularly in the school environment. They can provide a safe space for the student to express their feelings, explore their challenges, and develop coping strategies.

Counselors can also conduct assessments to determine the severity of the depression and may tailor interventions to meet the individual needs of the student. They are equipped to engage in therapeutic conversations, offer emotional support, and connect the student with additional resources if necessary. This intervention fosters a supportive environment where the adolescent can feel understood and heard, which is particularly important during the difficult transition of relocating to a new area.

While encouraging involvement in extracurricular activities and suggesting discussions with teachers or parents can be beneficial aspects of support, these initiatives may not address the immediate mental health concerns as directly or effectively as a focused conversation with a mental health professional. Extracurricular activities may help integrate the adolescent socially but don't directly alleviate depressive symptoms. Similarly, meetings with parents and teachers may provide support in their own ways, but the specialized guidance from a counselor is pivotal for addressing mental health issues in adolescents dealing with the emotional fallout of relocation.