Onset of mood disorders is typically in mid-to-late adolescence and this seminar helps people identify early warning signs, with a focus on the importance of early intervention. Navigating Teenage Depression also looks at mental health problems within the context of normal teenage development and associated pressures. The presentation offers practical strategies for communicating with someone who you are concerned about, when and where to go for help, and strategies for building resilience.
Delivered by facilitators from the Black Dog Institute, this workshop looks at what resilience is and how adversity can play a positive role in our lives. It also includes several workshop activities designed to help participants enhance their own personal resilience to life’s stressors.
A powerful presentation for high school students about mental health and wellbeing, mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder), and resilience. Based on a series of engaging, humorous illustrations that convey complex concepts to students. Emphasises wellbeing strategies, help-seeking avenues, early intervention benefits, and works to dispel stigma. Topics include teen challenges, mood disorder facts and statistics, at-risk personality types, coping strategies, fears of seeking help, finding the right help – who/when/how, benefits of good therapy, family and school support, and what is and how to build resilience. Delivered by a staff member. Illustrations by Matthew Johnstone, Creative Director at the Black Dog Institute, author and presenter. This presentation is part of the HeadStrong curriculum resource.
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70 people attended the recent ‘Navigating Teenage Depression’ community education seminar delivered in Taree on April 4th. Attendees included parents, teenagers, teachers, youth workers, a soccer coach, scout master, police officer, and mental health service providers. The Black Dog Institute received the support of Taree High School P & C and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service to deliver this free event.
Beth Fuller, President of Taree High School P & C and coordinator of the event said she was very pleased with the community response. “Having 70 people from such a broad cross-section attend this event demonstrates an encouraging level of motivation by our community to understand how to best respond to depression amongst young people”, said Beth.
Black Dog Institute Project Manager – Rural Initiatives, Chris Rule, said post-event feedback was overwhelmingly positive. “I am confident that the vast majority of attendees will have a much better understanding or what mood disorders are and also increased levels of confidence in relation to help seeking and supporting others with a mood disorder”, said Chris.
The seminar follows on from two well attended ‘Building Personal Resilience’ community education workshops delivered by the Institute in partnership with the Manning Mental Health Promotion and Prevention Network in Taree in October 2011.
Kate Hille, Black Dog Institute Project Manager – Community Education, delivered the presentation in Taree.
Photo: Kate Hille, Black Dog Institute Project Manager – Community Education and Beth Fuller, President of Taree High School P & C
Depression and Bipolar Disorder Information Australia - Black Dog Institute.Copyright © 2012 Black Dog Institute
Page last updated: 4-May-2012