Teens & Depression

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In Ventura County, the 2015-16 California Healthy Kids Survey reports that 1 in 3 teens in 11th grade felt "so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more that [they] stopped doing some usual activities."

According to the National Institute for Mental Health, over 12% of teens aged 12 to 17 "had at least one major depressive episode" in the previous year.

CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR TEEN? LEARN THE SIGNS. AND LISTEN.

There are many reasons teens could seem depressed, from bullying to drug abuse to schoolwork being stressful. It's normal for teens to have ups and downs in mood due to hormones and life changes. How can you tell the difference between what's normal and problems including depression? “Pay attention to worry signs." But keep in mind, "what parents should do is mostly listen, that should be 90 percent of the conversation," says Dr. Benjamin Shain, head of the child at adolescent psychiatry division at NorthShore University Health System, quoted in the New York Times.

Tips for listening:

  • Ask open ended questions
  • It may be easier to talk and listen while driving or running an errand
  • Don't lecture or judge
  • Make time to talk regularly

SIGNS OF TEEN DEPRESSION

  • Persistent sadness or negative mood
  • Not coping with daily activities
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Changes in sleeping and/or eating
  • Complaining more than usual about physical problems
  • Trouble concentrating

If symptoms seem serious and are affecting everyday life, it's time to reach out for help. Start with your healthcare provider. See additional resources on this page and the links below.

Learn more about:

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Sources: "Is a Teen Depressed, or Just Moody?", New York Times, Feb. 13, 2017

California Healthy Kids Survey, Ventura County Office of Education

Local Resources

Ventura County Behavioral Health
Mental health & substance use treatment services
Countywide – All Ages
www.vcbh.org
Call Toll-free • Confidential • 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

  • Crisis and Referral Line
    1-866-998-2243 
  • Early Detection & Intervention for the Prevention of Psychosis 
    1-866-998-2243

211 Ventura County
Free service connecting people to health and human services in the community
Countywide – All Ages
www.211ventura.org
Call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211

Clinicas del Camino Real
Healthcare, including mental health services
Oxnard, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Ventura – All Ages
www.clinicas.org
(866) 885-7900

Interface
Support and resources, including youth shelter and housing referrals
Countywide – Children & Youth
icfs.org
(805) 485-6114

Kids & Families Together 
For children and their families, including kinship and foster caregivers
Countywide – Children & Youth
www.kidsandfamilies.org
(805) 643-1446

Logrando Bienestar
Mental health screenings 
Countywide – All Ages
www.vcbh.org
(805) 973-5220

Project Esperanza
Family classes & activities
Santa Paula & Fillmore – Youth
www.guadalupechurchsp.com
(805) 276-7671

United Parents
Local support and referrals for parents
Countywide – Youth
www.unitedparents.org
(805) 384-1555

Ventura County SELPA
Helping your child succeed at school
www.vcselpa.org
(805) 437-1560