Teen Depression

1. Teen Depression Northgate High School Crisis Counselors Shannon Brueckner, MFT Maren Dalgaard, MFT

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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)

8. 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

9. Suicide facts and statistics • Women are more likely to attemptsuicide • Males are more likely to completesuicide • 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.)

13. 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

14. 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

15. Supporting a teen through depression treatment • Be understanding • Encourage physical activity • Encourage social activity • Stay involved in treatment • Learn about depression • Take care of wholefamily 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. Questions?

19. 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

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