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Now
You Can View
the Award Winning Video
Dark
Glasses and Kaleidoscopes: Living with Manic Depression
Just
Click on the Glasses!
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If
you or someone you know has thoughts of death or suicide, tell a
parent, a family member, a teacher,
a medical professional, clergy member, loved one, friend or hospital
emergency room or call
9-1-1
immediately!
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More Numbers to
call for help or just to talk-anytime-day or night!
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- Sacramento
Suicide Hotline:
916-368-3111
(24 hours a day-7 days a week)
It's OK to call as many times as
you need. It's cool to discuss all feelings with
them. Totally confidential. They are there to give
support, and help sort out feelings.
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Youth
Crisis Line:
1-800 843-4200
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National
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE
or 1-800-784-2433
www.livewithdepression.org
www.hopeline.com
"When
those looking for support dial 1.800.SUICIDE they are seamlessly
connected to an available certified crisis center nearest to
their calling location. While it’s seemingly a simple
concept, the Network is elegant and effective when put into
action. Behind the scenes there are significant computer and
telephony infrastructures working in concert to provide help
within 20 to 30 seconds of a call being placed." Kristin
Brooks Hope Center
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Talk
to someone via e-mail or phone at befrienders.org
(worldwide)
-
National
Runaway Hotline: 1-800-621-4000
(They also are trained to help with depression and suicide
prevention.)
-
National
Hopeline Network (800)784-2433.
-
Covenant
House Nineline 1-800-999-9999
www.covenanthouse.org
Provides crisis intervention, referral and information services
to troubled youth and their families throughout the United
States.
-
Girls
and Boys Town National Hotline
hotline@boystown.org
:
1-800-448-3000
www.girlsandboystown.org/hotline/index.htm
Call with any problem, any time. "Highly trained counselors
provide free confidential services 24 hours a day, seven days a
week."
- Need to Web
Chat Teen to Teen, Peer to Peer? This is a good place to
start:
This
is a community for those looking for helpful friends and are
here to assist teenagers in getting professional help for
anxiety and depression-related problems.
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to the top?
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Just
for Young People
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Just
for Parents and Caretakers
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Want
to know what to do when a friend is depressed?
Click
Here
-
 "Everything
was perfect, and then I went Insane"
by
Lizzie Simon The
author's cross-country search for people
like herself—young, bipolar and getting their life together—led
to her book, Detour, from which this is adapted, and inspired MTV's special
True Life: I'm Bipolar
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| Trying
to Shake those Suicide Feelings? |
-
 GLOSSARY
OF SYMPTOMS
AND MENTAL ILLNESSES AFFECTING TEENAGERS This
glossary of brief definitions was developed to help teenagers,
parents, teachers, and others learn more about the major mental
illnesses, symptoms, and mental health issues which affect
teenagers.
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What
you can do to fight Suicidal Thoughts!
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What
are Bipolar Symptoms
anyway?
-
 Feeling
Blue? Feeling down?
Check
out this cool article on how to
tell
the difference between just being sad
and depression. Good to know stuff.
Some
people suffer from symptoms of depression during the winter
months, with symptoms subsiding during the spring and summer
months. This may be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD).
Find
out more about "SAD" on this National Mental Health
Association Fact Sheet.
Does
this Sound Like You?
Step through this series to see if
you may have an anxiety
disorder. presented
by NIMH
"Cool
Nurse"
Explains topics from depression to suicide in easy to
understand language. (Cool
Nurse was created to help today's teen and young adult achieve
and maintain a high level of health, fitness and well-being.
Teenagers need to know the latest about health and nutrition,
but haven't had many reliable sources and health education has
been cut from many school budgets. This site is a guide to
assist you in making intelligent, informed decisions.) Handling
your Psychiatric Disability
in Work and School An
interactive and informative web site for people with a
psychiatric condition that addresses issues and reasonable
accommodations related to work and school. This is the only site
designed exclusively to provide information about the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other employment and education
issues for people with psychiatric disabilities.
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 Note to
Self:
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Keep
a Journal! Write down
how you feel day by day. How you feel on your med's, good
days, bad days. This will help you be an advocate for
yourself or your child when seeking help from medical professionals. Check this one out-Its good for starters!
Personal
Calendar
(offered by DBSA)
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What
are some symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Teens?
Below
is an excerpt from The American
Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
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Bipolar
Disorder (Manic-Depressive Illness) in Teens
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Bipolar Disorder may begin either with manic or depressive symptoms.
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The manic symptoms
include:
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The depressive
symptoms include: |
- severe changes in
mood compared to others of the same age and background - either
unusually happy or silly, or very irritable, angry, agitated or
aggressive
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unrealistic highs
in self-esteem - for example, a teenager who feels all powerful
or like a superhero with special powers
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great increase in
energy and the ability to go with little or no sleep for days
without feeling tired
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increase in
talking - the adolescent talks too much, too fast, changes
topics too quickly, and cannot be interrupted
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distractibility -
the teen's attention moves constantly from one thing to the next
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repeated high
risk-taking behavior; such as, abusing alcohol and drugs,
reckless driving, or sexual promiscuity
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irritability,
depressed mood, persistent sadness, frequent crying
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thoughts of death
or suicide
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loss of enjoyment
in favorite activities
-
frequent
complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches or stomach
aches
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low energy level,
fatigue, poor concentration, complaints of boredom
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major change in
eating or sleeping patterns, such as oversleeping or overeating
Some of these signs
are similar to those that occur in teenagers with other problems
such as drug abuse, delinquency, attention-deficit hyperactivity
disorder, or even schizophrenia. more....
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Back to the Top? |
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Go
Back to the top?
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Web
places
to go for Info & Support
|
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This
is a community for those looking for helpful friends and are
here to assist teenagers in getting professional help for
anxiety and depression-related problems.
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| CrazyMeds.Org |
Caution:
Although, the language is unconventional,
and might be considered questionable, it contains no
expletives (swear words, foul language, obscenities, or indecent
materials of any kind. Only a couple of words like
"suck", and "donkey-dung".) This is a
no-nonsense website that comes highly recommended by 16 to 28
year olds who are dealing with this issue. Created by a young
peer who addresses the effects and the importance getting help
and then staying on meds; tips to staying on medications, the
type of medications that might be described and how you, as a
young person can have a strong voice in your treatment. This
site speaks directly to young people like himself who are
dealing with the ups and downs of bipolar disorders and
medications. |
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Depression
Information, News and Support for teens |
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|
Youth
Suicide Prevention Site This
site, funded by the Canadian Red Cross, is designed for teens
and young people in general. Parents:
There
are also tips and resources for you. |
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|
DBSA
Online Support Groups offering
online groups for people with depression or bipolar disorder,
and separate groups for friends/family members. |
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|
Child
and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
CABF now offers over 20 on-line email groups for adult members
of CABF who are raising a child or adolescent diagnosed with, or
at risk for, bipolar disorder. Teen group coming soon!
This is a great site for information specific to youth bipolar
issues and coping strategies. |
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The
NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program
is a free 12-week course for family caregivers of
individuals with severe brain disorders (mental illnesses). The
course is taught by trained family members. All instruction and
course materials are free for class participants. The
Family-to-Family curriculum focuses on schizophrenia, bipolar
disorder (manic depression), clinical depression, panic disorder
and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The course discusses
the clinical treatment of these illnesses and teaches the
knowledge and skills that family members need to cope more
effectively.
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For
Sacramento-Contact: NAMI Sacramento-Family
Education Coordinator (to e-mail click link): Jim
at (916) 782-8623.
- For
Yolo (Davis Area)-Contact: NAMI Yolo-For
more information call NAMI-Yolo coordinator
Deanne Buchan (530) 756-9413 or email
buchan@davis.com
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| Need
help being an advocate for your child?
SAFE
(Sacramento Advocacy for Family Empowerment) SAFE
works with family members of children with mental
illness to ensure their needs are being met in the
public mental health system. This is done through
empowering family members to have a voice at all levels
of system care and public policy. SAFE also operates a
bi-monthly support and education group called Family
Night Out. For more information,
please contact Janice Massie at
(916) 875-4950. |
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Children's
mental health services in Sacramento County
include:
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Back
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For Kids, Tweens, Teens, and Young Adults
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For Moms, Dads, and those that care |
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Detour:
My Bipolar Road Trip in 4-D
Lizzie
Simon. In the fall of 1999, twenty-three-year-old Lizzie Simon hit
the road on a journey that took her across the United States. Her
inspired interviews with other young men and women suffering from
manic depression comprise the heart and soul of this remarkable
memoir. Detour sheds light into the controversial and provocative
world of mental illness today through the eyes of a young survivor. |
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 Raising
a Moody Child: How to Cope with Depression and Bipolar Disorder
by Jill S.
Goldgerg Arnold, M.D. and Mary A. Fristad, M. D.; Why symptoms look
different in children and teens, how to find the right doctor or
therapist, and how to help kids develop their own "coping
toolkits." A practical guide to everything from dealing with
medical crises to resolving school problems, sibling conflicts, and
marital stress. Co-author Fristad is a CABF Professional Advisory
Council member and researcher on the benefits of psychoeducation for
children with BP and their families. |
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How
I Stayed Alive When My Brain Was Trying to Kill Me:
One Person's
Guide to Suicide Prevention by
Susan Rose Blauner. Blauner,
a survivor of multiple suicide attempts, offers guidance and
hope for those contemplating ending their lives — and for their
loved ones. She eloquently describes the feelings and
fantasies surrounding suicide, and in a direct, nonjudgmental
and loving voice, offers affirmations and suggestions to those
experiencing life-ending thoughts, and to their friends and
family. Here is an essential resource destined to be the
classic guide on the subject of suicide. A portion of
the book's proceeds will go to the National Hopeline Network/National
Suicide Hotline. |
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The
Bipolar Child. Demitri
and Janice.N Papolos Explains childhood bipolar disorder using
advances in neuroscience and genetics. Discusses how to obtain
good treatment and medications, as well as introducing school
advocacy." |
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Taking
Depression to School Emily
lives with childhood depression. With therapy and medication,
she learns how to manage her sometimes overwhelming feelings.
Her story explains to other children why a child with depression
may seem sad or angry and teaches them how to react in a helpful
way. This book has 32 colorful pages and includes `Ten Tips
for Teachers` and `Kids Quiz`. Part of the Special Kids in School
Series. A percentage of every sale is donated to support research.
For ages 5-10. 32 pages. Size: 8 in. x 8 in. Softcover.
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Kid
Power Tactics For Dealing With Depression/Parent's Survival
Guide. Unique
set of books written by Nicholas Dubuquw, an 11-year-old child
who suffers from depression, and his mother, Susan. In plain
language, these books, one addressed to children, and the other
to parents and professionals, provide a wealth of information
to help make sense of the complex problems childhood depression
and find ways of coping. Paperback. For ages 8 and up.
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Recovering
from Depression: A Workbook for Teens Mary Ellen Copeland, M.A., M.S. and Stuart
Copans, M.D. Geared toward adolescents who are depressed, sad, thinking
about hurting themselves, feeling isolated from their friends.
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Bipolar
Disorders: A Guide to Helping Children and Adolescents
Mitzi
Waltz.
Covers a range of topics that parents need to know in
order to help their children, including diagnosis; family life and
how to recognize mood swings, medications, therapeutic interventions,
insurance, and education. |
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SOS
Help for Emotions: Managing Anxiety, Anger, and
Depression
Lynn Fred Clark, Ph.D., author and
clinical psychologist. Helps teens and young adults to more
effectively manage their emotions and behavior through cognitive
behavior therapy. |
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The
Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting
Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children
by Ross W. Greene. Parenting
techniques that work for children (such as those with bipolar and
other brain disorders) who do not adapt well to transitions, have a
low frustration tolerance, think in black and white, and whose life
is a "never ending string of conflicts and disasters." |
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Turbo
Max A Story For Siblings Of Bipolar Children Tracy Anglada.
For siblings (ages
8-12) of children with bipolar disorder. A boy’s summer diary
describes his journey from confusion to understanding, from
embarrassment to advocacy, from anger and guilt to acceptance of his
sister’s illness.
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Embracing
the Monster: Overcoming the Challenges of Hidden Disabilities
Larry B. Silver (Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.,
2002).Crawford and Silver shed light on hidden disabilities and how
individuals can manage them to lead positive, productive lives.
Highly recommended reading for parents of children with hidden
disabilities as well as adolescents and young adults with hidden
disabilities.
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The
Depressed Child: A Parent's Guide for Rescuing Kids
By emphasizing how
parents can talk to their children about thoughts and feelings,
exploring how children develop negative beliefs about themselves,
and teaching parents how to help their children change those
hopeless self-perceptions, this book outlines practical methods
that parents and children together can use to find solutions
to the dark thoughts that plague so many young people today.
Includes a discussion of all the professional treatment options,
from counseling through medications. |
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Kid Power Tactics for Dealing with Depression,
Dubuque,
Nicholas and Susan E., This
unique book was written by Nicholas Dubuque, an 11-year-old child
who suffers from depression, and his mother, Susan. In plain
language, it provides a wealth of information to help make sense of
the complex problem of childhood depression and find ways of coping.
Paperback. For ages 8 and up.
To
order, call 1-800-962-1141
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Get
Out of My Life, But First Could You Drive Cheryl and Me to the
Mall? Anthony
E. Wolf, Ph.D. A witty and
wise book that will be extremely helpful to all parents dealing
with an adolescent. It reminds everyone what a teenager is attempting
to accomplish at this stage of life, and points out that some
degree of lying, oppositional behavior, defiance, and disrespect
almost always comes with the territory. This book will help
parents with bipolar teenagers lighten up a bit, and stop viewing
everything as pathological. |
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Everything
you Need to Know about Bipolar Disorder and Manic Depressive Illness
Michael A. Sommers A
slim book with some nice illustrations intended for adolescents upon
first diagnosis. Very straightforward, with examples, and a glossary
of terms at the back. Suitable for ages 13-18.
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When You Worry about the Child you
Love: Emotional and Learning Problems in Children
Edward Hallowell, M.D.
.Excellent introductory book for parents
wondering if their kids' moods and behaviors are normal or might be
symptomatic of bipolar disorder, ADHD, Tourette's Syndrome,
depression, or other brain disorders. Lifts blame from parents and
offers advice on diagnosis and treatment options. |
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The
Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to
Know
David J. Miklowitz. Comprehensive guide offers straight talk that
can help people with bipolar disorder take charge of their illness
and reclaim their lives. Helps individuals and family members come
to terms with the diagnosis; recognize early warning signs of manic
or depressive episodes; cope with mood triggers, medication
problems, and family and work issues; and learn to collaborate effectively with doctors and
therapists. Supplies proven tools to help readers
reach toward achieving balance without sacrificing their right to a
rich and varied emotional life.
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Help
Me, I’m Sad: Recognizing, Treating & Preventing Childhood and
Adolescent Depression
Dr. David Fassler and Lynne S. Dumas. New York: Penguin Putnam, Inc.
(1997) Helpful for recognizing warning signs of depression; includes
case histories as illustrations of various stages. |
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Matt
the Moody Hermit Crab Caroline C. McGee
Over the course of one school year, Matt undergoes the onset,
diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder in this novel-length
tale for kids 8-12. His story is dramatic, entertaining and
sometimes humorous. |
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,
by Francis Mark Mondimore, M.D.
Information
patients and families really want and need about manic depression. The comprehensive and authoritative
coverage ranges from brain imaging to practical
ways to reduce the risk of relapse. |
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When
Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens
Bev Cobain.
In 1994, rock star Kurt Cobain ended his struggle with depression
and drugs by taking his own life. Bev is Kurt's cousin. This
book is her way of making sense of his death and reaching out to
teens who are sad, discouraged, and/or depressed. Whether you are a
teen or an adult who cares for and about young people, this book
will help you learn to identify the signs of real depression and get
help. |
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Surviving
Manic Depression: A Manual on Bipolar Disorder for Patients,
Families and Providers, by
E. Fuller Torrey, M.D. and Michael B. Knable, D.O., (2002) .
Excellent overview of diagnostic, treatment, and family issues.
Includes section on child and adolescent onset, and extensive
information about medications. |
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Manic
Depression and Creativity
by D. Jablow Hershman, D. and Julian Lieb,
M.D. (Promethus Books, 1998). Charles Dickens and Ludwig Van
Beethoven had severe mood swings that began in childhood. An account
of the lives of four creative individuals (including Isaac Newton
and Vincent Van Gogh) and exploration of how creative people with
bipolar disorder can manage the illness to enhance their
productivity.
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When
You Worry about the Child you Love: Emotional and Learning Problems
in Children by
Edward Hallowell, M.D. (Simon & Schuster,1996). Excellent
introductory book for parents wondering if their kids' moods and
behaviors are normal or might be symptomatic of bipolar disorder,
ADHD, Tourette's Syndrome, depression, or other brain disorders.
Lifts blame from parents and offers advice on diagnosis and
treatment options. |
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The
Storm in my Brain: Kids and Mood Disorder
Easy-to-read guide
for kids. Includes full-color illustrations by children with
depression and bipolar disorder. This booklet also features
tips for parents and teachers. Booklet, 18 pages, DBSA with
Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation, 2003
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When
Words are Not Enough: The Women's Prescription for Depression and
Anxiety by
Valerie Davis Raskin (Broadway Books, 1997). Hormonal cycles
influence mood in girls and women. Raskin addresses the special
concerns of females with bipolar disorder during puberty, pregnancy,
postpartum, and menopause.
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Dark
Glasses and Kaleidoscopes: Living with Manic Depression
This link will
allow you to view this Award
winning video featuring people who have bipolar disorder (manic
depression) and doctors outlining symptoms and coping strategies.
Narrated by Tony Dow. 33-minute videotape, 1997, DBSA. This
is a recommended video to watch with family. |
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“In Our Own Words: Teens with Bipolar Disorder”
Funded
by the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, U.S. directed and
produced by The Josselyn Center.
Features a group of
teens and young adults sharing their individual stories of self
discovery and adaptation as individuals with Bipolar Disorder.
Included with each copy of "In Our Own Words: Teens with
Bipolar Disorder" video is an educational booklet entitled
"Facts About Bipolar Disorder." Through an exclusive
offer, CABF Members can purchase this video for $27.50 plus $2.50
shipping and handling. (Price for non-members $99 plus s&h.) If
you are not a CABF Member click
here to join (Membership is FREE).
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