Adolescent Depression & Tips on How to Help

A quick google search on adolescent depression brings up over 500 million articles, which is not surprising given the rise of research focusing on this topic. Children today are growing up in a different world, where many prefer socializing through screens, often using avatars or online personas, rather than face to face interactions. A decrease in human connection, paired with a rise in anonymity, can lead to cyber-bullying, low self-esteem, and a need to inflate status. Parents, and everyone who works with kids are hungry for answers on how to help children. So how do you know whether a child is experiencing normal moods typical for this stage of development, versus whether there needs to be concern? And, if depression is suspected, what can you do? Join leading professionals from CVCH, Columbia Pediatrics and the Wenatchee School District for a panel discussion where we will help us identify the key things to look for. We will discuss what you should be concerned about, and what is normal. Most importantly, we will discuss things you can do to help get in front of or overcome adolescent depression, and when it may be time to seek outside help. Panel Speakers Include Dr. Jerry Crawford, MD from Columbia Pediatrics with over 30 years of experience in pediatric medicine. Aaron MacKenzie, Counselor at Washington Elementary with over 20 years of school counseling experience, and Abigail Shepherd, Ph.D, is a licensed mental health counselor at CVCH and just completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology. Each expert will speak and we will allow for time for Q&A afterwards. Seats are limited, to register visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pybus-university-is-my-adolescent-depressed-advice-on-detecting-and-combating-this-growing-epidemic-tickets-68697292451 TOPICS COVERED IN THE NIGHT • What does depression look like and how do we recognize it? • How to start the conversation with a child • The need to normalize seeking treatment when necessary • Be curious in your approach • Signs and symptoms of Digital Dementia and Gaming Disorder • Why are screens/games so addicting? • iGen Why Today’s super-connected kids are growing up less rebellious, more tolerant, less happy and completely unprepared for adulthood • How can we find balance? • Ways we can minimize depression and maximize feelings of happiness • Tangible things that we can do to become happier and more resilient to depression • 40% of how we feel or how happy we are, is determined by our choices