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Video: The Erika's Lighthouse Program: Depression and Suicide Awareness for High School Students

McHenry County Crisis Program
1 in 4 people will have some sort of mental health problem in their life. If you are encountering problems yourself, or know someone else who is experiencing them, please phone the McHenry County Crisis Line at 1-800-892-8900.

MCHELP
A free anonymous app that allows you to confidentially text or talk to a licensed mental health counselor.  Trained counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Everyone can practice good mental health.
From Erika's Lighthouse

• Eat three nutritious meals per day

• Get 2.5 hours of exercise per week.

• Get 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night.

• Avoid harmful substances.

• Do things and surround yourself with people that bring you happiness..

Depression is an illness marked by a chemical imbalance that impacts moods thoughts, and behaviors. It is common, 15-20% of teens will develop depression before adulthood. It is the number one risk factor for suicide. It is also treatable. Treatment for depression can include talk therapy, or a combination of talk therapy and medication. (Erika's Lighthouse)

What are signs of depression?

Depression looks different for everyone, but there are common hints. If you or a friend are experiencing any of these symptoms that are different than your “normal,” please connect with someone you can trust. Symptoms might include:

• Change in mood: depressed or irritable

• Decreased interest or pleasure in most activities

• Significant weight change or change in appetite

• Change in sleep: sleeping too much or too little

• Change in activity: feeling sped up or slowed down

• Fatigue or loss of energy

• Negative self-perception: feeling worthless or excessive or inappropriate guilt

• Unable to think clearly: diminished ability to think, concentrate or indecisiveness

• Suicidality: thoughts of death or suicide or acts of self-harm

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

• Restlessness or agitation

• Self-injury

• Thought of suicide

What if I think I have adolescent (teen) depression?

The only people who can tell you if you have adolescent depression are licensed mental health workers and doctors. But they won’t know unless you talk to them. If you are feeling like you might be struggling, talk to any of the following people to connect you to help:

• Your parents

• Your teachers

• School mental health workers. Find our school psychologists, social workers, and counselors here.

• A trusted adult, including your coach, mentor or someone else in your community

Talking about it is the first step toward getting help. There is nothing to be ashamed of. You have nothing to lose in starting the conversation. You have your whole life to gain.