North Shore Collaborative: Depression

Home \| Search \| Donate \| Contact Us




	Resource Topics Abuse Domestic Violence Sexual Assault/Abuse Alcohol and Drug Use/Abuse Bullying & Intimidation Educational Issues Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Effect Learning Disabilities & Special Education School Attendance & Truancy Grief and Loss Mental Health for Children & Youth ADD/ADHD Depression Eating Disorders Self Injury Money Matters Parenting Sex and Sexuality		Depression Depression can be defined simply as a sadness that gets in the way of life. Depression can, in fact, threaten someone's life by leading to suicide. Major depression, also known as clinical depression is the most widespread type of depression. Depression in youth is often complicated by the use of drugs and alcohol. The good news is that depression is treatable. Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, includes major depression and some form of mania. When depressed, a person may feel sad and hopeless. When manic, a person may be extremely angry, irritable, or happy, have extraordinary mental and physical energy, and have boundless confidence. Cycles of depression and mania can happen several times a year, or as rapidly as once a day or more. Depression in adolescence may be connected with issues of sexual identity and/or sexual preference. Gay/Lesbian/ Bisexual/Transgender (GLBT) issues can complicate adolescence immensely. Warning Signs of Depression Any one of these alone, for a short time, is normal. But if you know a friend with more than two of these problems lasting more than a couple of weeks, this person may be nearing a crisis and need help. Avoiding friends, activities, school social events. Totally unable to think of anything but the problem. Unexpected outbursts of anger or crying. Unable to sleep; always feeling exhausted, irritated. Unable to eat; or eating and vomiting. Escaping by sleeping or daydreaming all the time. Severe behavior change: quiet person becoming wild or active person becoming withdrawn. Excessive use of drugs or alcohol. Major loss of a loved person, home, possession, or status, especially if preceded by other losses. Neglect of appearance. Unusual change of school work or attendance. Violent, suicidal poems, songs, paintings, letters. Specific threats of suicide (verbal or written). Prior suicide attempts. Giving away prized possessions. (Combined from MDMC website and SMDC Grief Support Center's handout: "Warning Signs that an Emergency may be Coming".) Coping with Depression Try to be open with your feelings. Spend time with family and friends. If you feel lonely, ask your school counselor to help you find a support group. Find out more about your religion. Consider the importance of spirituality in your life. Get involved with after-school activities. Accept others' thanks, compliments and praise. Plan your future and set realistic goals. Volunteer- you have a lot to offer. Exercise regularly - sweat! Eat right! Read subjects that interest you. Laugh and keep your sense of humor! Keep a diary or journal. Write a poem Paint or draw a picture. Dress well. Take long baths. Walk. Go to a funny movie Ignore negative thoughts - remind yourself that your negative and scary thoughts are just thoughts and they are not who you really are. Try meditation, yoga, or another positive method of relieving stress. Do not tolerate physical, emotional, or sexual abuse from anyone. Get help immediately. Seek help if you feel overwhelmed or troubled. Needing help is not a failing, it's simply being human! (Suggested by the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program) Local Resources Wayne Arnzen, MS, Licensed Psychologist Grand Marais, MN 218-387-1098 Cook County Human Services, Children's Mental Health Grand Marais, MN 218-387-3620 Jane Howard, MSE, Licensed Psychologist Grand Marais, MN 218-370-0801 Human Development Center Grand Marais Office: 218-387-9444 Silver Bay Office: 218-226-3190 Two Harbors Office: 218-834-5520 24-hour Crisis Line: 218-387-9133 Dr. Mimi Sa, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist Grand Marais, MN 218-387-9133 Regional Resources MILLER DWAN MEDICAL CENTER (MDMC) (REGIONAL) ACCESS SUPPORT # 1 (888) 826-0099 www.miller-dwan.com/about.htm State Resources Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health www.macmh.org National Resources American Counseling Association www.counseling.org/site/PageServer The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law http://www.bazelon.org/ Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation http://www.bpkids.org/ Depressed Teens John Hopkins Medicine www.depressedteens.com Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance www.dbsalliance.org (800) 826-3632 Depression & Related Affective Disorders Association www.drada.org (410)955-4647 Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health http://www.ffcmh.org/ Focus Adolescent Services: Teen Depression http://www.focusas.com/Depression.html Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation http://www.jbrf.org National Mental Health Association www.nmha.org/index.cfm Suicide Awareness Voices of Education www.save.org Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program www.yellowribbon.org Depression reading www.kidshealth.org Teen Education & Crisis Hotline www.teachhotline.org The Nation's Voice on Mental Illness www.nami.org National Hopeline Network www.hopeline.com/help.asp The NIMH Web Information on Child Adolescent Mental Health www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/childmenu.cfm The American Foundation For Suicide Prevention www.afsp.org Related Books/Publications: Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/mentalhealth/home.html The Bipolar Child by Janice and Demitri Papolos Acquainted with the Night: A Parent's Quest to Understand Depression and Bipolar Disorder in His Children by Paul Raeburn The Bipolar Survival Guide by David Miklowitz An Unquiet Mind by Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison Bipolar Disorder in Childhood and Early Adolescence , Edited by Barbara Geller, M.D. and Melissa P. DelBello, M.D. Note: This is by no means meant to include an exhaustive list of mental health supports. Please remember there are many forms of support -- friends, family, spiritual connections, alternative health providers, online resources and internet support groups to name a few. Disclaimer: Listing of resources and websites is for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not indicate endorsement of any resources or website.

	top \| Resource Guide \| Kinship Mentor North \| Events \| Services \| About the Collaborative \| Home 421 Seventh Street • Two Harbors, MN 55616• 218.834.8221 x 8445 • info@northshorechildren.com © Copyright 2003-2006, North Shore Collaborative.