Erika’s Lighthouse

District 211- Freshmen Wellness

UNDERSTANDING TEEN DEPRESSION

Please go to Schoology and open the Erika’s Lighthouse Warm Up question

assignment and answer question #1
TODAY YOU WILL LEARN:

1. Depression is a common and serious brain

disorder.
2. Depression is treatable.
3. You can make a difference in someone’s life.
4. Good mental health is for everyone.
Video

Depression Awareness Video

Discussion Questions

Go to Schoology and open Erika’s Lighthouse

Discussion Questions in NOTABILITY.
1. Answer questions 1-12 for Lesson 1
2. SUBMIT TO ASSIGNMENT
Discussion Questions
Lesson 1
1. How common is depression in teens?
● 15-20% of young people will experience depression.
● About 5 students in a class of 25
2. Can you tell by someone’s appearance?
● No. You can not tell by someone’s appearance if they are
depressed because depression occurs on the inside and
among all ages, genders, races, and cultures.
3. Is suicide common?
● Although depression is common, and is the #1 risk factor
for suicide, suicide is rare.
● Suicide can happen if someone’s depression is intense,
not identified or they are not receiving the proper
support.
4. If there is a history of depression in your family, does that
mean that you will develop depression?
● If there is a family history it means you are at higher risk
to develop it but it doesn’t mean that you will definitely
inherit depression.
● It is smart to know your family mental history.
5. Does this mean that everyone who experiences stress will
get depression?
● No. Everyone experiences stress differently.
○ Some tolerate stress well and others are more
sensitive to it.
● Continual stress is not good for anyone’s health.
○ If you experience continual stress, try to do things
that help you feel better.
○ If that does not work tell a trusted adult.
6. What are the symptoms of depression and give an
example of what that would look like in a teen.
● Depressed mood, sadness or irritability
● Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
● Change in weight or appetite
● Change in sleep
● Feeling sped up or slowed down
● Fatigue or loss of energy
● Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
● Trouble concentrating or making decisions
● Thoughts of death or acts of self-harm
7. What are two possible treatment options?
● Talk therapy
● Medication
8. Where can you find help in your school or community?
● Schools:
○ Social Workers
○ Psychologists
○ Counselors
○ Talk to a trusted adult
● Community:
○ Mental health center
○ Hospital
9. What are some ways you can support a friend who may be
struggling with depression?
● Treat them normally
● Check-in with them and listen
● Invite them to do fun things
● Support their treatment
● Help them to make healthy choices
10. What are some ways to practice good mental health?
● Get plenty of sleep
● Eat healthy meals
● Exercise regularly
● Avoid Alcohol and Drugs
● Treat any illness
● Do things you enjoy
● Practice relaxation
● Ask for help
11. Why is it important to understand depression?
● Helps us to better recognize the warning signs
● Allows us to access help reducing the risk of more
serious symptoms.
● Protecting lives
12. Why do you think these teens would want to make a
video like this?
● They hope to provide a voice for teens with depression.
● To break the silence and shame of depression
● To let students know depression is common, serious
and can happen to anyone.
● To express there is help out there and not to be afraid to
ask for it.
● If you struggle with depression you are not alone!
● If you know someone struggling there is a lot you can do
to help them.
Self-Referral Card

1. Go to Schoology
2. Open the Erika’s Lighthouse Self-Referral Card link
3. Fill out the google form and click submit.