To provide students with important information about adolescent depression.

OVERVIEW

Parents, church leaders, teachers, and youth workers are influential in the lives of adolescents; therefore, they need to be aware of adolescents who are suffering from depression. These people need to be open and accessible sources of information and support to depressed adolescents. And people who are dealing with adolescents need to be updated on adolescent depression research.

LEADER PREPARATION

• Talk to young people about their feelings, their emotions, their dreams, their successes, their failures. Survey how they are dealing with theireveryday life issues.
• Compile the latest psychological and psychiatric studies on adolescent depression.
• Prepare a teaching plan, handouts, video aids, prop materials, play acting, skits, and games.

GROUP BUILDING

• Begin with an interesting story, article clipping, music selection, or poetry that relates to adolescents about depression. (10-15 minutes)
• Discuss current research findings, definitions, and goals for the discussion. (15 minutes)
• Divide the students into small groups (3 or 4) to allow them to discuss their knowledge about and experiences with depression. (10 minutes)

GROUP PRESENTATION

• Encourage individuals to share their thoughts, insights, comments, concerns, interests, and challenges from group discussion and lecture.
• Role play. Have students practice spotting signs, giving support, and referring to professional help.
• Distinguish the difference between sadness, very bad moods, and depression.

GROUP DISCUSSION

• Discuss any of the following questions:
• What are the causes of depression?
• How is depression different for girls and boys?
• When are the symptoms of depression to be taken seriously?
• What should you do about depression in yourself, a family member, or a friend?

WRAP-UP

• Review these points:
• Depression is a serious illness for both girls and boys.
• Finding help as quickly as possible is very important.
• Everyone should have some knowledge of the symptoms and be equipped to offer support or access other assistance.
• Recognize that depression is not an individual illness; it affects families, friends, and communities.