Download Parent Resource Toolkit
Each issue includes information and resources designed to help you and your family deal with stress and depression issues.
Do You Need to Talk? Text BRIGHTER to 741741
Download Parent Resource Toolkit
Each issue includes information and resources designed to help you and your family deal with stress and depression issues.
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Get Help Now
If you or someone you know needs help immediately, take one of the following actions
Call 2-1-1
Immediate Emergency Services
Call 800-273-8255
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
Alameda County
CRISIS SUPPORT
Call 800-309-2131
or TEXT
SAFE to 20121
Contra Costa County
CRISIS SUPPORT
Call 800-833-2900
or TEXT
HOPE to 20121
Do you think your teen might be depressed?
How to Identify and Address Depression
What is depression?
Depression is an illness with many causes and many forms. It is a disorder of someone’s moods or emotions; it is not an attitude that someone can “control” or “snap out of,” but it is treatable with counseling and/or medication.
What is teen depression?
Depression is a condition that affects approximately 5% of children and teens at any given time, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Depression can cause problems such as difficulties in school, difficulties with relationships, and general decreased enjoyment of life. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide, one of the leading causes of death for teens in the United States.
What are the symptoms of teen depression?
- Sad or depressed mood
- Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in things he or she used to enjoy
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Crying
- Inability to sleep, or sleeping too much
- Loss of appetite, or increased appetite
- Aches and pains that don’t go away, even with treatment
- Irritability
- Feeling tired despite getting enough sleep
- Inability to concentrate
- Thoughts of suicide, talk of suicide or suicide attempts
What can you do to help?
Talk To Your Teen About Your Concerns
There may be a specific cause for why he or she is acting a certain way. Opening up the lines of communication lets your teenager know you care and that you are available to talk about the situation.
Talk To Your Pediatrician Or Family Physician
Your provider may be able to discuss the situation with your teen, rule out a medical reason for the behavior, recommend a counselor, or prescribe medication.
Lastly DO NOT Ignore The Signs Or Symptoms Of Depression
Depression is treatable and there is help available for both you and your teen. If left untreated, depression can lead to thoughts of suicide or even the act itself.
If you’re having an emergency right now:
Call 911 or a crisis hotline, contact campus police/security, or go to the emergency department at the nearest hospital.
What Causes Depression?
There are thought to be many causes of depression. There are most likely many factors behind who develops depression and who doesn’t, and these factors are no different for teens.
Traumatic Life Events
Major events such as the loss of a loved one or pet, divorce or remarriage. Any event that causes distress or trauma, or even just a major change in lifestyle, can trigger depression.
Social Situation/Family Circumstances
It has been found that depression runs in families and that there is a genetic basis for depression. Keep in mind, though, that teens who have depression in their family will not necessarily get the illness, and teens without a history of depression in their family can still get the disorder.
Medical Conditions
Occasionally, depression is a sign of another medical illness, such as hypothyroidism, PMS (premenstrual syndrome) or other disorders.
Medications/Illegal Drugs
Some legal, prescription medications can have depression as a side effect. Certain illegal drugs (street drugs) can also cause depression.
Treatment Programs & Centers
Kristen Brooks Hope Center
IMAlive, a Kristen Brooks Hope Center initiative, is the world’s first virtual crisis center where 100% of the volunteers are trained in crisis intervention. Since its launch in 2011, IMAlive has helped thousands of people in crisis. Call the Kristen Brooks Hope Center at 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) for help, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
Evolve Treatment Centers
Evolve Treatment Centers, accredited by CARF and The Joint Commission, offers the highest caliber of evidence-based treatment for teens, 12 to 17 years old, who struggle with mental health, substance abuse, and/or behavioral issues. Evolve offers a full continuum of care in California, including Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Partial Hospitalization (PHP), and Residential Treatment Centers (RTC). For more information and to speak with an admissions counselor, call (877) 650-4598.
Discovery Counseling Center
Discovery Counseling Center is a community based non-profit organization serving the San Ramon Valley for over 50 years. Discovery Counseling Center’s mission is to be the community’s leader in mental wellness by providing affordable, high quality, culturally appropriate and accessible counseling services and programs; offering excellent and highly-regarded training for future mental health professionals; creating greater awareness of the prevalence of mental wellness issues in our community and the importance of early treatment; and serving as the community’s advocate in securing adequate funding and resources for the treatment of mental wellness issues.
Evolve Treatment Centers, accredited by CARF and The Joint Commission, offers the highest caliber of evidence-based treatment for teens, 12 to 17 years old, who struggle with mental health, substance abuse, and/or behavioral issues. Evolve offers a full continuum of care in California, including Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Partial Hospitalization (PHP), and Residential Treatment Centers (RTC). For more information and to speak with an admissions counselor, call (866) 205-0862.
AddictionCenter – Substance Abuse Resources
For more information, please contact Hannah Freeman at (800) 586-9670.
Granite Recovery Centers – Addiction & Mental Health Resources
(855) 712-7784
6 Manor Parkway
Salem, NH 03079
The Recovery Village – Teen Drug Abuse & Addiction Resources
(352) 771-2700
633 Umatilla Blvd.
Umatilla, FL 32784
Find a Therapist or Counselor
