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

2. Agenda Introduction Supporting a teen Depression facts & statistics
Prevention
Questions?
Signs & symptoms
Resources
Differences in teens
Effects of depression
Suicide facts & statistics
Suicide warning signs
What to do

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 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

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
Take care of whole family when one child is depressed
Encourage physical activity
Take care of yourself
Encourage social activity
Reach out for support
Stay involved in treatment
Be open with the family
Remember the siblings
Learn about depression
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 Websites Therapist (talk-therapy)
Psychiatrist (Rx)
Crisis Lines
TALK
1-800-SUICIDE
911
Northgate Counselors
(925)
(925) ext. 3519
Websites

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