Depression Awareness Booklet for Teens

Teens and young adults who think they may be suffering from depression have new resources to help them.

A booklet and posters that focus on early intervention and awareness of depression were launched today, Dec. 15, at a teen centre in the Halifax Shopping Centre. They are part of the Department of Health's three-year mental health strategy.

"Depression is more common among adolescents than we might think. This resource is meant to help those teens who may be suffering from clinical depression and not realize it," said Education Minister Jamie Muir, speaking on behalf of Health Minister Angus MacIsaac.

The materials will be given to youth health centres and teen centres throughout the province to alert individuals to the early signs of depression and to raise awareness about when people should seek professional help.

"We want to reach out to those at risk before it becomes a serious problem. It is our hope that teens will read this over and better understand when they need to talk to a health professional or how to help a friend they may think is showing signs of depression," said the minister.

A 2001-02 health survey by Statistics Canada found that nine per cent of Nova Scotians aged 12 and above reported being depressed, while 15 per cent reported being sad or blue for more than a two-week period.

The booklet was developed after interviews with teens and input from the co-ordinators of youth health centres across the province.

The materials are part of a broader campaign by the department to educate Nova Scotians -- from school-aged children to the elderly -- about the effects of mental illness on families, schools and workplaces.

The Department of Health is currently working with people who have experienced mental health problems, psychologists, nurses and social workers as well as representatives of non-governmental organizations to develop more materials that will improve awareness.

The teen booklet is available by following on the mental health link on the Department of Health website at www.gov.ns.ca/health/mhs .