Presented by: Name Month XX, 2012 Is It Depression Or Teen Angst? Insert logo of speaker’s organization Insert host logo Insert local partners’ logo 1

2

“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

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 4

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 5 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) 6

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 7

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 8

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) 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

How can schools help? Be mindful of at-risk students Use mental health professionals Provide students with appropriate supports Encourage cooperation with parents 14

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 15

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 16

Thank you for joining us to Speak Up for Kids! 17