Teenage blues — whatever

Vicky Pollard from Little Britain might be the quintessential teenager of our times, but she doesn’t really inspire much sympathy. So what happens if teenagers aren’t just stroppy and moody, but become seriously depressed? How can you tell the difference between a bit of the teenage blues and depression?

Depression can occur at any age, but just because a teenager is feeling a bit down in the dumps doesn’t mean he or she is depressed. Depression is when low mood doesn’t go away quickly, and interferes with everyday life.

It’s estimated about 15,000 under-18s are on antidepressants in Britain, and there have been controversies recently over young people taking these drugs. The anti-depressant Seroxat was banned from use in under-18s in 2003 after evidence came to light suggesting that it could increase suicidal thoughts in teenagers.

Another problem is that identifying depression is easier said than done. Often sufferers don’t realise they need help until their depression has become pronounced, and even then it can be hard to get the therapy that seems to be the best treatment. But the most important thing to remember is that depression is treatable.

Join us at the Dana Centre to find out more about teenage blues – how to identify when they become something more serious, and most importantly how to help. You’ll hear an extract from a play called ‘Cracked’ that explores depression, and get the chance to ask our expert panel your own questions.

Event organised by:
The European Dana Alliance for the Brain and the Institute of Psychiatry

Speakers:

Jane Costello, Duke’s University, USA
K. Mirza, Institute of Psychiatry, London
Carly Raby, Young Minds

Plus a special performance of ‘Cracked’, a play about teenage depression produced by Y Touring Theatre Company.

Chairman:
Vivienne Parry, author of ‘The Truth about Hormones.’