Healthy Family Tool Kit

Transcription

1 Adolescent Depression Awareness Program During three 45-minute sessions or two 90-minute sessions, students will learn to identify the symptoms of depression, understand the process of medical decision making, seek parallels between depression and other medical illnesses, recognize that suicide is a potential consequence of depression and understand that depression is a treatable medical illness N. Cedar Crest Blvd., Ste. 100, Allentown, PA (610)

2 Dear Caregiver, Your child has participated in a program called (Adolescent Depression Awareness Program) that was presented by the Weller Health Education Center. One of the most important things that teens and adults should understand about Depression is that it is a treatable medical illness. Often times, people think that Depression is a sign of weakness and the person is at fault. In this program, students learn the definition of the illness of Depression and how it is diagnosed by a physician. Students are also taught the common symptoms of Depression as well as what treatment methods are available for someone who is diagnosed with the illness. It is important that they know it is a treatable illness and there are many ways of getting help. This program not only identifies Depression as one of the most common illnesses found among adolescents, but it also teaches students about Bipolar disorder, or manic Depression. Bipolar disorder affects 1% of all adolescents and differs in symptoms from the illness of Depression. It is important for both students and the caregiver to be aware of these illnesses because they are found commonly amongst the adolescent population. Children are strongly encouraged to recognize the symptoms of the illness and seek help as soon as possible. By establishing open communication, both students and parents may be able to detect if someone is suffering from Depression or Bipolar disorder and help them receive the proper treatment. In this toolkit you will find some facts about the illness of Depression as well as conversation starters to help you continue the message of today s program. For additional resources you are welcome to utilize the parent, teacher and student resource links found on our website at Yours in good health, Weller Health Education Center 2

3 Facts About Adolescent Depression: It affects 5% of all adolescents- Depression is one of the most common illnesses found among adolescents, and too often goes undiagnosed and untreated. No one is immune- It is known to be hereditary, meaning that a family history of Depression can cause someone to be at a greater risk. But Depression is an illness that is caused by certain chemicals in the brain not functioning properly. Therefore, no one is immune to the illness. It is a treatable medical illness- One of the most important facts of this program is that Depression, and Bipolar disorder, are medical illnesses that are treatable. They are not curable, but with proper treatment a person can live a very normal life. Treatment options are stressed on the final day of the presentation, and students are made aware of how easily accessible and crucial treatment is. It is diagnosed by a doctor- As with other illnesses, Depression is diagnosed by a physician using a specific set of steps. A person is diagnosed with Depression if they meet the specific criteria. Symptoms are visible- It is important to know the symptoms of Depression and Bipolar disorder The Symptoms of Depression Are: Sad, low, or irritable mood or feeling nothing Decreased interest or pleasure in activities Change in appetite or weight (eats more/ less, gains or loses weight) Sleeping more or less than usual Feeling restless or slowed down Fatigue or loss of energy Decreased concentration (often see grades drop) Overwhelming feelings of guilt or worthlessness Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide * Irritability is more common among adolescents The Symptoms of Mania Are: Elevated, expansive or irritable mood Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity Decreased need for sleep More talkative or pressure to keep talking Racing thoughts Distractibility Increased activity or agitation Excessive involvement in pleasurable activities Risky behaviors There are many forms of treatment available- Treatment options vary for each person diagnosed with the illness of Depression or Bipolar disorder. Treatment options include individual psychotherapy sessions- seeing a therapist- to talk about how they are feeling, medication, or more commonly, a combination of both. It is important to understand, especially in the case of adolescents suffering from Depression or other mood disorders, that a physician may not immediately prescribe medication in the event that individual psychotherapy may be proper treatment. If a person is prescribed medication, there may be a trial-and-error process due to the fact that not all medications work the same in every person. If medication is needed, your physician will help the adolescent find a medication that works for them. 3

4 Medications are mood stabilizers- This program aims to eliminate the stigma associated with the diagnoses of mood disorders and their treatment methods. We have found that it is common for people, especially adolescents, to feel that medications change who a person is, or that they make you happy all of the time. The goal of medication is to help the individual stabilize their mood, meaning, they have the normal ups and downs that every person experiences. The medication will not change who they are as a person. In order for the medication to fully take effect and work properly, a person must take their medication regularly as prescribed and avoid stopping their medication unless told to do so by their doctor. Mania- elevated or high mood, Middle- normal ups and downs, Depression- low, sad, irritable mood There are serious consequences to not seeking proper treatment- It is common for people to put off seeking treatment because of the stigma associated with mood disorders and their treatment. As a result, there are very serious consequences that caregivers should be aware of. 1. Self-medication- people often try to self-medicate usually in the forms of alcohol and drug abuse, eating disorders, and/or self-mutilation. It is important to note that these are commonly found behaviors in relation to mood disorders, but are not always present and can exist independently of a mood disorder. People who avoid seeking proper treatment may turn to these things in an effort to try to escape their illness. It will make them feel different than they do in their normal state. This is very serious and strongly discouraged. This will only supply them with a temporary feeling, and as the behaviors progress, their tolerance will build. Because mood disorders are illnesses, they cannot be controlled through willpower. 2. Suicide- thoughts of suicide may occur as a symptom of Depression, and someone who has not sought help may find themselves attempting or committing suicide. 4

5 Tips for Parents: If you believe your child is exhibiting symptoms of Depression, it s important to talk to your child about it and to let them know that they are not alone. Remember, it is one of the most common illnesses found among adolescents. Parental separation, illness, death, or other separation can cause short-term problems for kids, and sometimes can trigger a problem with longer term depression. This means that if your family is going through something stressful it's usually helpful to turn to a counselor, therapist, or other expert for support, ( It's also important to remind your child that you're there for support. Say this over and over again kids with Depression need to hear it a lot because sometimes they feel unworthy of love and attention, ( Keep them active! One of the best things you can do for the adolescent is to try to keep them involved in activities and with friends. Physical activity can help to alleviate some of the symptoms of Depression. It is important to remind yourself that Depression is not someone s choice. Someone cannot be told to just get over it or snap out of it. It may be difficult to see your child lacking energy or desire to do things, but remember that they are not lazy and not choosing to act this way. It is good to focus on positive reinforcement for those tasks that they do complete. ALWAYS keep your child on their prescribed treatment plan. Unless told otherwise by a doctor, do not stop medication and/or psychotherapy. These things are crucial to the treatment of the illness. For more tips and guidelines about talking to your child and seeking help, visit and click on the parent link! VOCABULARY Major Depression- The treatable illness of Depression diagnosed by exhibiting 5 or more symptoms for 2 or more weeks Bipolar disorder- Manic Depression, diagnosed by exhibiting 3 or more symptoms of mania for 1 or more weeks; extreme highs and lows Lower case depression- Normal feelings of sadness; feeling down; goes away over time Symptom- sign that an illness is present 5