School-Based Depression Education and Outreach Collaborations
For Students
Everyone has good days and bad days, ups and downs. Everyday sadness can be caused by a loss or major life change, such as the death of someone you care about, a break-up of a relationship, or the divorce of your parents. But if this unhappiness lasts for more than two weeks and starts to interfere with your life, it might be something more serious. The following symptoms may indicate depression, particularly when they last for more than two weeks:
- Withdrawal from friends, family and school activities
- Sadness and hopelessness
- Lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation
- Anger and rage
- Overreaction to criticism
- Feelings of being unable to meet expectations
- Poor self-esteem or guilt
- Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness
- Restlessness and agitation
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Substance abuse problems
- Thoughts of suicide
If you are or have been experiencing at least five of these symptoms, and they have persisted for more than two weeks, tell a parent or other trusted adult, and arrange to consult with a mental health professional. Depression is a medical illness that can be treated, just like diabetes or asthma, and treatment for depression can put you back on track and give you hope for the future.
The resources on this website can provide you with more information about depression, and how you can recognize if you, or a friend or family member, may be experiencing depression.
Additional Outside Resources for Students
Suicide Prevention Resource Center – Teens
Don't be put off by the blue side menu with all the links. The main focus of this webpage is on the role of teens in preventing suicide - such as recognizing warning signs and helping yourself and others. You can even get a printable copy of this information (available as PDF) if you want.Teens Health
This is a fun and informative website. Check out the links under "Your Mind" to find out about mental health, including different types of mental illnesses – what causes them, and importantly, what you can do for help.Dealing with Teen Depression
A web page written for teens from the people at HelpGuide.org. It offers tips and tools for teens to help themselves or help their friends deal with depression, including suicidal thoughts. There’s also a list of useful links at the bottom of the page.Teens and Stress: Who Has Time for It?
A web page written for teens all about stress - signs that you’re stressed out, ideas on how to deal with the stress in your life, and what to do if you can’t cope.Handling Stress
A teen girl’s guide to handling stress – but guys are more than welcome to take a peek, too. Talks about what stress is, what causes stress, what stress does to you, and ways to deal with it.Eating Disorders: Facts for Teens
A web page written for teens about eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, with information on the health problems they cause, and warning signs. Some helpful links follow at the bottom of the page.Your Emotions: Cutting and hurting yourself
A frank website that talks about why teen girls might want to cut or hurt themselves and how to recognize the signs of self-injury.Is it Just a Mood... or Something Else? [PDF]
A 12 page booklet designed for teens giving a general overview about depression and bipolar disorder. It describes what these illnesses are, what causes them, how to find help or help someone else, and describes what treatment is like. Provided by the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association.What Helps and What Hurts [PDF]
What to say and what not to say to someone suffering from depression or bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder.
