School-Based Depression Education and Outreach Collaborations
The average age of symptom onset of clinical depression and bipolar disorder is between 15 – 24 years. Recognizing and managing depression early can help young people to better prevent negative outcomes, and tragedies in our schools and elsewhere. Increased awareness of depression among this age group is the first step toward implementing effective intervention.
As part of its mission to recognize and treat depression as early as possible, the Depression Center developed two initiatives, in partnership with the Gull Lake Community Schools and Ann Arbor Public Schools, to provide depression awareness and suicide prevention education, training, and support for school personnel. These initiatives are designed to:
- Address the need for early recognition of depression, bipolar disorder and risk for suicide among youth;
- Further educate teachers, counselors, mental health professionals, and other “front line” personnel working with young people to raise their awareness and knowledge of depressive and bipolar illnesses and suicide risk factors.
This website offers resources and information which will be useful to educators, parents, and students from any community. In addition, personnel from the Gull Lake Community Schools and Ann Arbor Public Schools may access information regarding specific trainings and educational programs which are part of these Depression Center outreach collaborations.
Please contact Trish Meyer at meyerpa@umich.edu with any questions.
Depression Center resources for educators, parents, and students
