M@RE THAN SAB [teen depression] >A The film's core messages include: = Depression is a common problem that can interfere with teens’ ability to function well in school, enjoy previous hobbies or acti or interact effectively with friends or family members. = Depression is an illness. It is not a character weakness or something that people bring on themselves or can change at will, = Depression may develop after a particularly upsetting event or situation, but also develops in young people who don’t seem to have any reason to be depressed. = Depression usually doesn’t go away on its own, and if left untreated, it may lead to serious consequences, inclu suicide. = Treatments for depression are available, and treatment works. If you are depressed, ask for help. If someone you know is depressed, encourage them to get help.Lana Symptoms: Sleeps Often Drastic Change in Attitude Not Caring About Things that Were Once Important to her Sad Often for No Reason Withdraws from Friends and Family Note: It may be hard for family members to understand depression. They may get frustrated when they try to make the person happy and it doesn't work. This does not make the family member a failure. It is important to remember that depression is a mental illness not a personality flaw. What Did She Do: A family member recognized the symptoms and called a center for help. Through a combination of talk therapy and medication, Lana was able to feel better more often.Ray Symptoms: Constant Worry Trouble Focusing Lots of Pressure Note: Ray is probably suffering from both depression and an anxiety disorder. Anxiety and depression can be present at the same time. Feeling nervous, anxious or stressed out all of the time can lead to other symptoms of depression like trouble sleeping or concentrating, loss of appetite and feeling really down. Anxiety can become so overwhelming that teens fee! that they can't go on. What Did He Do: Ray identified some of his symptoms and called a hotline and made an appointment with someone he could talk to. He learned how to help manage his anxiety through organization of his time and talk therapy.Jake Symptoms: Outbursts of Anger Self-Medicating With Alcohol Increased Feelings of Sadness Feels he is Angry All of the Time Feels Like an Outcast Note: Sometimes people think that drugs or alcohol are the answer to feeling sad or angry. Substance use is not only illegal for teenagers but often adds to many of the problems that teens are already facing. Using alcohol or drugs as an escape is never a healthy way to deal with a problem. What Did He Do: After friends talked to a counselor about Jake's behavior. Jake talked to a therapist and learned anger management techniques and eventually was prescribed an antidepressant. Jake stopped drinking and learned to control his anger.Delia Symptoms: Was Humiliated at School Feeling Sad Often Doesn't Want to Go to School Frequent Stomach Pains Dr. Cannot Find an Answer to Pain Note: Depression can lead to actual physical pain as seen in Delia's story. Even though feeling sad often may seem like it only affects attitude that is not true. Bullying and humiliation can trigger feelings of sadness and worthlessness. What Did She Do: Delia was referred to a therapist from a doctor. Delia talked to a therapist and got involved with an after school program where she made new friends.