Being a Teenager is Hard: Depression Awareness

Being a teenager is hard. You're under constant stress to be liked, to do well in school, get along with your family and friends, and make big decisions.

You can’t avoid most of these pressures, and worrying about them is normal. But feeling sad, hopeless or worthless could be warning signs of a mental health problem.

Mental health problems are real, painful, and sometimes severe. One of the most common mental health issues among teens is depression.

According to the Mayo Clinic, teen depression is a serious mental health problem that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities. It affects how your teenager thinks, feels and behaves, and it can cause emotional, functional and physical problems.

Teen depression can have serious consequences including suicide. It isn't a weakness or something that can be overcome with willpower. It may require long term treatment.

That's why we're dedicated to educating our students about teen depression and the resources available.

In meeting with a team of therapists and the Arkansas Suicide Prevention Council, our district administrators developed an action plan.  Our school counselors have implemented the "More Than Sad" program for our students. This program teaches students, parents, and educators about mental health and how to recognize warning signs. 

Local Mental Health Groups

• Families, Inc - (501) 982-5000 - Outpatient Mental Health Counseling
• Professional Counseling Associates - (501) 843-3503
• The Pointe Behavorial Health - (501) 843-9233

Resources

• Seek Then Speak Go to Site
• Teen Mental Health Go to Site
• Overview Teen Depression - Mayo Clinic Go to Site
• Parent's Guide To Teen Depression Go to Site
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Go to Site
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center Go to Site
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Go to Site
• Arkansas Crisis Center Go to Site
• Jason Foundation Go to Site
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Go to Site
• 1-888-CRISIS2 (1-888-274-7472) Online Chat Available
• 1-800-273-TALK (8255) - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Go to Site
• Crisis Text Hotline - Text HELLO to 741-741 for a FREE, 24/7 line for people in crisis

Warning Signs of Suicide

These signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has recently increased in frequency or intensity, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.

• Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
• Looking for ways to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated, or behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings