Thursday May 7, 2009, 1:42 am
"Teenage depression can affect anyone, although teenage girls report it more than boys.

"Kids are being exposed to more and more avenues and venues where by which they can have negative experiences," Cirenza said.

Classic signs of teenage depression include social isolation, doing poorly in school and a sense they just aren't interested in things they used to enjoy."

See video and read more at site..

Thursday May 7, 2009, 9:36 am
Drugs are not always the answer either. Sometimes it can even make matters worse.

Thursday May 7, 2009, 9:53 am
Early childhood stresses and a family history are all contributing factors towards depression... negative experiences to can bring about a manifestation of this... Anti depressants I feel are useful, although they would have to try many perhaps till the find the right one, depression can also be stabilized with anti convulsants, to keep the manic phases level, although some can worsen the effect... One has to try and find the right mix.

Thursday May 7, 2009, 2:52 pm
Loving parents, counselling, & medications do not always prevent suicides.
Don't ignore anyone who threatens to commit suicide. Have sincere empathy for people of ALL ages who are enduring depression. Not every body needs antidepressants every day. We take ours as we feel the need and our children do the same so as not feel "drugged" etc. Four of our 5 kids are adults now, while one is deceased due to a sudden suicide~~~~

Thursday May 7, 2009, 8:48 pm
Depression, is an orchestrated part of the curriculum, why do you think that the schools are already prepared, with the doctors, and the pills!!! School, has become an episode of " A BRAVE NEW WORLD" if you will, with the modern day "SOMA"!!!
In America's search for number"1", to add to their assortment of champions, lot lot of children crumble, or shatter under the pressure!!!
Darwinism, is the survival of the fittest, and not all can make the grade of staying on top!!! Our educational system, is only concerned about the cream of the crop, the top percentages, all others are passed by, few can handle this rejection under fire, henceforth the tranquilizers!!!
Grades are handed out by how well ones conforms to the lessons, if black is black one day, then pink, the next,and you question that you flunk!!! My kindergarten teacher told my Mom, that I would grow up to be a criminal, "because I asked too many questions"!!! I was never able to conform to a lie, and was put on the "GROUP W BENCH"!!! Those who never questioned authority, were the ones that went on and graduated!!! However, many of these people actually do have a conscience though, and although they know the right answers to put down on paper, they know deep down inside, that it's all madness, and end up needing something to deaden their conscience!!! The doctors, are ready for that also!!!
Social programing is evil, and not equal education, fraudulent use of our taxes...that was why they had to take the 10 commandments and the pledge of allegiance out of school, because "ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISABLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOT ALL, WILL NOT BUILD GOOD CAPITALISTIC GLADIATORS!!! You just can't build a good fascist state, if people are "INDIVISABLE" and "UNITED"!!! They teach every man for himself, and that anyone can be the man, or not!!!
My suggestion against this separation, and madness, would by to close most of the schools, social networking can be just as efficient on the web on their free time, after they just received the best education available world wide on the web!!!You would be able to pick your own subjects and teachers, your own hours and levels!!! Grades discriminate, and limit education, and destroys egos!!! We need to teach about families values, about the constitution, truth, and unity... all of the substance that has been removed because of a certain few!!!
Schools: have become a breading ground for lice and disease!!!
Schools: have become beacons for every crazy with a beef, and no ear to listen, people will listen to violence!!! Especially when it involves children!!!
Schools: are legally kidnapping our children every-time they close the school, for a terrorist threat... with our children inside, while refusing us entrance
Schools: are mass programing our children, to be someone that were not, nor would we even want to be, yet we let them be assimilated by our domestic enemies of the constitution!!!
"School's out for ever" !!!

Thursday May 7, 2009, 9:07 pm
Not surprising with the amount of dysfunctional homes they are raised in, sadly noted Dee

Thursday May 7, 2009, 9:27 pm
A dysfunctional society, creates dysfunctional families!!! Read the books on the fall of the Russian empire, it is a story of modern day America!!!
Why create so many doctors, if your not going to create an adequate amount of sick people??? Why create so many lawyers, if you not going to create an adequate amount of criminals??? Why create so many shrinks, if your not creating a sufficient amount of crazies???
It's perfectally legal to push anyone over the edge, just don't dare be the one being pushed!!!

Friday May 8, 2009, 12:08 pm
I agree that society, families, & the education system all need reforms and sincere support. Meanwhile, please don't generate the idea that all medication is bad for all students. Haven't you ever bothered to know children and adults who are depressed or who have ADD yet who truly care to learn?!? Anyone who wants to sincerely learn in spite of problems certainly deserves to get the real help to attain success. I'm a adult student who has trouble focussing and the one thing that helps a lot is illegal, yet the medications for it make me terribly ill. NOT EVERY BODY IS THE SAME!!!!!

Saturday May 9, 2009, 3:32 pm
I absolutely agree Kathleen..Not everyone is the same..everyone and every situation is different..and each one must be treated as an individual..
My youngest son had/has ADHD..Even now he still has his highs and lows..I always worry with the lows..but I am grateful he openly talk about his depression when he is feeling it..He never did well on meds really..It helped for a little bit..It helped him to be able to focus easier..but not enough that he felt continuing to take them was worth it..and I agreed..

Now as an adult..He has a great job..he is in a band..(my mad drummer) Has a good life..but.. he is still struggling and has only recent thought about re-looking into a med..both for his depression and AD..

I also agree that never ever push aside a call for help..and when people talk about suicide that is exactly what it is..even if they are saying it to get attention which I know of some who have..It is STILL A CRY FOR HELP and it is serious..and should always be taken as such..

Also it doesn't matter if a teen is from a good home or a dysfunctional one..Depression is depression..regardless..It is an illness and a chemical/physical one..It has nothing to do with one has or has not..or their environment..Yes in a bad situation that alone can cause one to get depressed..but it is within the person and that needs to be taken care of..
And Kathleen is absolutely right..even with all the love..care..meds..attention and intervention one can give..sadly..ever so sadly..it doesn't alway prevent it from happening..

Thank you all so much for your comment on this..It is such an important issue..and needs to be discussed..

Sunday May 10, 2009, 1:55 am
Thank you, Dee!!! It is important for ALL people to understand the truths of this topic!!

Friday May 15, 2009, 8:03 pm
Understanding Teen Depression..
"There are as many misconceptions about teen depression as there are about teenagers in general. Yes, the teen years are tough, but most teens balance the requisite angst with good friendships, success in school or outside activities, and the development of a strong sense of self. Occasional bad moods or acting out is to be expected, but depression is something different. Depression can destroy the very essence of a teenager’s personality, causing an overwhelming sense of sadness, despair, or anger.
Whether the incidence of teen depression is actually increasing, or we’re just becoming more aware of it, the fact is that depression strikes teenagers far more often than most people think. And although depression is highly treatable, experts say only 20% of depressed teens ever receive help.
Unlike adults, who have the ability to seek assistance on their own, teenagers usually must rely on parents, teachers, or other caregivers to recognize their suffering and get them the treatment they need. So if you have an adolescent in your life, it’s important to learn what teen depression looks like and what to do if you spot the warning signs."

Sadness or hopelessness
Irritability, anger, or hostility
Tearfulness or frequent crying
Withdrawal from friends and family
Loss of interest in activities
Changes in eating and sleeping habits
Restlessness and agitation
Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
Fatigue or lack of energy
Difficulty concentrating
Thoughts of death or suicide

"If you’re unsure if an adolescent in your life is depressed or just “being a teenager,” consider how long the symptoms have been present, how severe they are, and how different the teen is acting from his or her usual self. While some “growing pains” are to be expected as teenagers grapple with the challenges of growing up, dramatic, long-lasting changes in personality, mood, or behavior are red flags of a deeper problem."

But always remember every one is an individual..don't put them all in a box..Another fact is that depression can also be very undetected in some..No obvious signs whatsoever..