Teen Depression

Teen depression is the great unlearned lesson of Columbine. (Dylan was heavily driven by suicide.) The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force estimates that 6% of U.S. adolescents suffer clinical depression. That's 2 million kids. It's time to act.

Teachers and principals: Teen depression must be addressed in schools. Awareness among kids is crucial. To help, we devoted an extensive unit in the Instructor Guide to it. That link is also great for students considering papers on the topic.

When I speak to high schools, I ask how big the class body is. If it has 1,000 kids, that means 60 kids right now are suffering clinical depression. They are not just sad, they are in real danger. Diagnosis is easy, yet most are unaware. It's treatable, too.

1.Explain the difference between clinical depression and "sadness." What makes depression so dangerous?

2.Identify five common consequences of depression. Discuss how each one can devastate the life of a teenager.

3.Did you know 6% of U.S. teens suffer clinical depression? Discuss the impact to schools and individuals. Alternative: discuss the economic impact on adults.

4.Outline the two major strategies for treating depression. How successful are they?

5.Discuss the controversies surrounding pharmacological treatment. Is there legitimate cause for concern?

6.Discuss the suicide rate among teens. What are the key warning signs? How do you approach a classmate you fear is in danger? What can you do if you fear it in yourself?

7.React to the statement: "Parents and schools are drugging our kids out of our problem." Are anti-depressants over-prescribed? Under-prescribed? Take a position.

8.What causes depression? Are there genetic predispositions? How significant are external factors in bringing it on (e.g., breakup with a boyfriend/girlfriend)? Who is most at-risk?

9.Does a depression diagnosis still carry a social stigma? How might that change?

10.What have organizations like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended as strategies for diagnosis and treatment?

11.What is in place in your school to diagnose and treat kids in trouble for depression? How effective is it? How could that change?

12.How well do most depressed teens understand their own condition? Are they aware they are depressed?

13.Do most depressed teens hide it? Who are they most and least likely to tell? Why are their parents least likely to know?

14.Outline recent advances in