Presented by: Name Month XX, 2012

Is It DepressionOr Teen Angst?

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“The so-called adolescent upheavals are no more than the external indications that [such] internal adjustments are in progress.”

A. Freud

Freud. Psychoanal Study Child. 1958.

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Warning Signs

Things to look for at school:•Diminished academic performance•Losing interest in things previously enjoyed•Unusual sadness, irritability, or acting out•Lethargy or decreased energy

Things to look for at home:•Changes in appetite or weight•Major shifts in sleep patterns (especially sleeping more)•Increased use of alcohol or drugs•Aches and pains with no physical explanation•Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt

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Adults vs. Adolescents

Adults

• Depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities

• Decrease in appetite or weight• Decrease in sleep• Lethargy or agitation• Decrease in libido• Social environment plays a

small role

Adolescents• Depressed mood, irritability, or

loss of pleasure in daily activities

• Overeating, increased weight• Increase in sleep• Lethargy, decreased energy• Little sexual impairment• Reactive to social environment

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Depression is different for everyone- adults’ and adolescents’ experiences often, but not always, reflect these experiences:

Facts About Adolescent Depression

• Adolescent depression is not rare• Depression runs in families• Adolescent depression can lead to:

– School absenteeism– Dropping out– Disruptive classroom behavior– Academic and social impairment– Self-injury– Self-medication– Increased risk for depression in adulthood– Suicide (third highest cause of death in adolescents)

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Self-harm

• As many as 1 out of 4 teens self-injures• Cutting is the most common form• Self-harm is extremely addictive• There are 2 main varieties

– Injuring to feel pain– Injuring to alleviate negative emotion

• Red flags include: – Talking about self-injury– Suspicious-looking scars, – Wounds that don't heal or get worse– Cuts on the same place– Wearing long-sleeved shirts in warm weather– Refusal to go into the locker room or change clothes in school

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Self-medication

• Depressed teens often self-medicate with over the counter and prescription medications, alcohol, and/or illegal drugs

• Depressed teens are almost twice as likely to have used illicit drugs as non-depressed teens

• Be more involved:– Monitor teens’ activities– Ask questions and know how he or she spends time– Set limits about drug use with clear rules and consequences for

breaking them

• It is never too late to prevent and/or stop an addiction

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Suicide

• Untreated depression is the number one cause of suicide

• Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-to-24-year-olds, and the sixth leading cause of death for 5-to-14-year-olds.

• Red Flags include:– Complaints of being a bad person

– Verbal hints with statements such as: Nothing matters, it’s no use, and I won’t see you again

– Putting his or her affairs in order: giving away favorite possessions, cleaning his or her room, throwing away important belongings, etc.

– Becoming suddenly cheerful after a period of depression

– Having signs of psychosis (hallucinations or bizarre thoughts)

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Treatment for Adolescent Depression

• A treatment plan combining psychotherapy and medication is often very effective.

• Counseling Options:• Interpersonal therapy (IPT)• Behavioral activation

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)• Psychopharmacological Options

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Depression and College

• College is a risky time for many teens• Be on the lookout for signs of depression or

bipolar disorder• Maintain consistency with treatment• Be aware of self medication

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How can parents help?

• Don’t wait• Talk with your child or student about your concerns• Look for environmental factors that may be related

to the child's depression• Check the child’s family medical history• Make an appointment for a parent consultation

with a community-based mental health specialist in adolescent psychology

• Respect your child’s privacy

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How can schools help?

• Destigmatize and shed light on the illness• Train staff members, students, and parents in

the symptoms of depression and appropriate interventions

• Create a caring, supportive school environment• Develop a suicide prevention and intervention

plan

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How can schools help?

• Be mindful of at-risk students• Use mental health professionals• Provide students with appropriate supports• Encourage cooperation with parents

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Classroom Suggestions

• Develop a relationship• Remember that these students are not choosing

to be depressed• Consider making adjustments or

accommodations in assignments or tasks• Provide opportunities for success• Seek help from support personnel• Use school resources

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Additional Resources

• [Include your contact information]• [Add information on resources in your

area]• [Add information on school/district resources]• nasponline.org

Learn more about depression on childmind.org

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Thank you for joining us to

Speak Up for Kids!

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