TEEN DEPRESSIONNorthgate High School

Crisis Counselors

Shannon Brueckner, MFTMaren Dalgaard, MFT

Agenda

Introduction Depression facts &

statistics Signs & symptoms Differences in teens Effects of depression Suicide facts & statistics Suicide warning signs What to do

Supporting a teen Prevention Questions? Resources

Introduction

Occasional bad moods or acting out is to be expected, but depression is something different

There are many misconceptions about teen depression

Depression strikes teenagers far more often than most people think

Depression is highly treatable, but experts say only 1 in 5 depressed teens receive help

Teenagers usually must rely on others for help

Depression facts & statistics

Depression is the most prevalent mental health disorder

Depressive episodes are recurring for 60% of individuals

Depression is twice as likely in females vs. males Only 25% of individuals with depression receive

adequate treatment

Signs & symptoms of depression

Mood Depressed mood, either sad and/or irritable (especially in

teens) Loss of interest and pleasure in daily activities

Body Changes in appetite Changes in sleep patterns Psychomotor agitation (pacing or restlessness) or slowed

movements Extreme fatigue or lack of energy

Signs/symptoms of depression cont’d…

Behavior Decreased motivation Decreased task performance Withdrawal or isolation Lack of attention to hygiene or appearance Diminished desire to talk, socialize or interact

Thinking Inability to think, remember, concentrate or marked indecisiveness Very low self-esteem Feelings of guilt, self-reproach or worthlessness Suicidal ideation

The difference between teenage and adult depression

I f you’re unsure if a teen is depressed or just “being a teenager,” consider... How different the teen is acting from his or her usual self How long the symptoms have been present How severe they are

Depressed teens can experience Unexplained aches and pains Extreme sensitivity to criticism Withdrawal from some, but not all people Irritable or angry mood (rather than sad/depressed)

Effects of teen depression Many rebellious and unhealthy behaviors or attitudes

in teenagers are actually indications of depression Problems at school Running away Drug and alcohol abuse Low self-esteem Internet addiction Reckless behavior Violence Self-injury Eating disorders

Suicide facts and statistics

Women are more likely to attempt suicide Males are more likely to complete suicide For every completed suicide by youth, it is

estimated 100 to 200 attempts are made In 2007, suicide ranked as the third leading cause of

death for young people (ages 15-24) Research has shown that most adolescent suicides

occur after school hours and in the teen’s home LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) youth

are 4-8 times more likely to make a suicide attempt

Suicide facts and statistics cont’d…

Not all adolescent attempters admit their intent Many adolescent suicide attempts are precipitated

by interpersonal conflict Talking about suicide does NOT cause someone to

become suicidal Nearly everyone at some time in his/her life thinks

about suicide or ceasing to exist

Suicide risk factors

Include (but are NOT limited to): Presence of psychiatric disorder Impulsivity/aggression Increase use of alcohol or drugs Exposure to another’s suicide or have attempted before themselves Recent severe stressors Family instability or significant family conflict Lack of coping skills Recent severe loss or threat of significant loss Situation of humiliation or failure History of violence or hostility Unwillingness to “connect” with potential helpers Highly rejecting behaviors, especially toward LGBT youth

Suicide warning signs in teenagers

Talk about suicide, death or no reason to live Be preoccupied with death and dying Express a sense of hopelessness Withdrawal from friends and/or social activities Experience drastic changes in behavior Lose interest in hobbies, work, school, etc. Lose interest in personal appearance Give away prized possessions Prepare for death (making out will, final

arrangements, etc.)

What to do

Encourage a depressed teen to open up Offer support Be gentle but persistent Listen without lecturing Validate feelings Get professional help if necessary

Getting treatment for teen depression

Make an immediate appointment with PCP for a depression screening Bring specific information about symptoms; how long present,

how much affecting daily life, any noticed patterns, close relatives with depression /other mental health disorder

If no health problems, seek out a depression specialist Get your child’s input Don’t rely on medication alone Discuss with the specialist about treatment options:

One-on-one talk therapy Group or family therapy Medication

Supporting a teen through depression treatment

Be understanding Encourage physical

activity Encourage social

activity Stay involved in

treatment Learn about depression

Take care of whole family when one child is depressed

Take care of yourself Reach out for support Be open with the family Remember the siblings Avoid the blame game

Prevention

Offer unconditional support Build or maintain a positive relationship with your teen

Talk each day Find out what excites and concerns your teen Encourage feeling expression Recognize achievements Praise his or her strengths Offer positive feedback Prepare and eat meals together Respond to anger with calm reassurance Spend time in the same room

Prevention cont’d…

Foster friendship and social networks Monitor media use Encourage physical activity Promote good sleep Consider mental health therapy

Learn about depression Develop skills to handle stress in a positive way Communicate with each other more effectively Understand the effect that stress and depression can have

on a person's life

QUESTIONS?

Resources Primary Care Physician Therapist (talk-therapy) Psychiatrist (Rx) Crisis Lines

1-800-833-2900 1-800-273-TALK 1-800-SUICIDE 911

Northgate Counselors (925) 938-3921 (925) 938-0900 ext. 3519

Websites www.nami.org www.nimh.nih.gov www.aacap.org/cs/

Depression.ResourceCenter www.morethansad.org www.helpguide.org www.kidshealth.org www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Sources

American Association of Suicidology National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) World Health Organization (WHO) Family Acceptance Project