American Foundation

brain that lead to depression may occur even Facts about Depression in Teens without an obvious cause.

Depression is more than sadness Depression is an illness with a biological basis. People who are depressed feel “down in When you are depressed, depression may the dumps” and are not interested in the affect many aspects of your life. activities they usually enjoy. Other symptoms Your ability to do well in school, to enjoy that a depressed teen may experience include: hanging out with friends, and to play sports and engage in extracurricular activities can all • American Foundation feeling more irritable or angry than usual be negatively affected when you are • losing or gaining a significant amount of depressed. For weight (not due to diet) or dramatic change in Suicide Prevention appetite If you are depressed, you are not alone. • having trouble sleeping or sleeping too Depression is the most common mental illness much in the U.S. among teens and adults, and can • physical feelings of either restlessness or have a serious impact on the lives of many being slow, sluggish teens who suffer from depression. In any • not having any energy given year, depression will affect 10 to 15 • feeling worthless or guilty (with no clear percent of teenagers in the U.S. cause) • not being able to concentrate or make Depression is treatable. decisions Studies show that more than 80 percent of people with depression can be successfully • thinking about wanting to end your life treated. Effective treatments for depression include medication, psychotherapy (talk If you experience at least five of these therapy) or a combination of the two. symptoms most of the day for at least two weeks, you may be depressed. Depression does not go away on its own. Talk to your parent(s), a trusted adult, or your If you are depressed, it is important to begin doctor immediately — don’t wait!! treatment as soon as possible. Most people who are depressed begin to feel better after a Depression is complex. few months of psychotherapy and/or taking There are a number of factors that determine medication. whether or not an individual will become depressed. Genetics, or whether there is a Depression Resource List for Teens history of the illness in your family, play a part. A major negative or stressful life event, More than Sad: Teen Depression (AFSP such as being abused; having trouble at home film website) or at school; trouble with friends or in Access to information on recognition and relationships; legal problems; a break-up or treatment of depression; fact sheet and parents’ divorce may also trigger an episode resource list for teens. www.morethansad.org of depression. However, changes within the www.dbsalliance.org _ Empower Yourself _ Note: Many of these sites also contain Wellness Toolbox _ Wellness Workbook information on teen depression for your Mental Health America (MHA) parents. Mental Health America (MHA) is the leading HealthyMinds.org (a part of the American advocacy organization addressing the full Psychiatric Association) spectrum of mental and substance use The American Psychiatric Association the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline conditions and their effects nationwide. largest and longest-serving psychiatric The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is Website provides information on how to medical association. APA advocates for a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention recognize symptoms of depression, how you psychiatrists and patients, and acts as a service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. can help yourself or a friend, types of resource for mental health information and You will be routed to the closest possible treatment and warning signs of suicide. news. www.healthyminds.org _ Let’s Talk crisis center in your area. Your call is free and www.mentalhealthamerica.net _ Health Info _ Facts brochures _ Depression confidential. Even if you are not in a 3 Mental Health Info _ Search by Issue suicidal crisis, you can call the Lifeline if you _ Depression _ Depression in Teens APA Help Center (a part of the American just need to talk to someone who cares, are Psychological Association) concerned about a friend, or need a referral to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) The American Psychological Association a mental health professional in your area. NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental (APA) is the largest scientific and professional Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots organization representing psychology in the English Lifeline Number: organization for people with mental illness United States. Website offers a checklist of 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255) and their families. Website hosts a discussion signs that you may be becoming depressed. group for teens who have been diagnosed with www.apahelpcenter.org _ Featured Topics _ Spanish Language Lifeline Number/Para a mental illness, like depression, and want to “Change Your Mind About Mental Health” _ obtener asistencia en español connect with other teens who can relate to Triggers & Signs HelpGuide.org HelpGuide durante las 24 horas, llame al: what they’re going through. www.nami.org _ is a free, non-commercial resource for people 1 (888) 628-9454 Find Support _ Child & Teen Support _ in need. Website contains information on Discussion Groups _ Teen Consumers symptoms, how to help a depressed friend, www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org and how to talk to your parents about Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance depression. Also includes links to other For information in Spanish/Para información (DBSA) helpful resources. en español: The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance www.helpguide.org _ Depression _ Teenagers (DBSA) is the leading patient-directed (For Teens) www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Spanish/D national organization focusing on the most efault.aspx prevalent mental illnesses. Link to a brochure KidsHealth.org Lawrence County Resources available in HTML or PDF format that helps KidsHealth is an award-winning website *Crisis Line 724.652.9000 you figure out the differences between a sad produced by the Nemours Foundation, one of *Human Services Center 724.658.3578 mood and depression. Also provides a the largest nonprofit organizations devoted to *Candace Panella 724.658.4501 ext 2114 workbook that you can fill in to help you children's health. Website is a good source of *Christine Cataloni 724.658.4501 ext 2106 better understand how to manage your understandable, accurate explanations of the *Elizabeth Burns 724.658.4501 ext 2104 depression and track your progress throughout factors that contribute to depression. treatment. www.dbsalliance.org _ Learn www.kidshealth.org _ Teens Site _ Your Mind about mood disorders _ Publications _ _ Mental Health _ Depression Brochures _ “Is It Just a Mood...or Something Else? Mood Disorders for Young People” 2