Depression seminar helps parents recognize signs in teens
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

More than 5,000 kids take their lives every year. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 10to 24-year-olds. One in five kids has a diagnosable disorder. These are statistics Dr. Stazan K. Sina, a psychologist, wants people to know.

In the second of an eight-part lecture series, Sina spoke to a small group last week about teen depression, including signs and symptoms, treatment options and resources.

Sina encouraged parents to take note if their teenagers are in a depressed mood nearly every day and are noticeably uninterested in most activities, even those things they typically enjoyed doing. Significant weight loss or gain, difficulty concentrating and a change in sleeping habits and energy levels are also things to watch out for.

Risk factors for suicide include underachievement, social withdrawal, cutting or substance abuse. There can also be fairly obvious signs that parents may overlook.

"The best predictor of the future is the past," Sina said. "If they have tried before there is a higher risk for them to try again. . . . Also, if they say they're thinking about suicide or that they've thought about it. Maybe they are saying they have access to a way to do it."

Teens may also give away some of their things if they are thinking about suicide or leave a diary or drawing to be found. These days, Sina said, MySpace, a popular social networking site, is a prime spot for expressing feelings.

"They like to put up there (on their MySpace page) what's wrong with them, their injuries or issues," Sina said. "It is often those things that can set them up to be prey. MySpace is definitely something that parents need to be looking at."

Sina also prepped parents for some options that a therapist may suggest if depression is deemed the cause of certain behaviors.

A medication assessment or psychological testing may be prudent. Therapists will need to rule out medical issues, effects of medication or drug abuse. Then they'll want to establish rapport and trust with the individual who needs help.

"Kids need to know their therapist isn't going to pick up the phone and call their parents and say, 'Here's what your daughter or son said today,'" Sina said.

One parent asked Sina for advice on how to get her depressed teen to go to therapy, a question that was posed by other members of the audience.

"Find someone that your kids can relate to," Sina said. "And don't make it about your teen having a problem. Let them know you'll also be learning."

Sina said some leveraging may be necessary- parents saying, for example, they'll need to see progression in some areas in order to discontinue therapy. "Ultimately, they can refuse, but they need to know that you aren't going to let them fail," Sina added.

The Conejo Council ParentTeacher Association, in conjunction with the Thousand Oaks High School PTA, has organized the eight seminars, with Sina looking at substance abuse, eating disorders and other topics.

Each monthly seminar runs about 90 minutes and will cover diagnosis, parent support and related treatment considerations. There will also be a questionandanswer session.

The next seminar, "Substance Abuse and Your Teen," is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tues., Nov. 27 in the Thousand Oaks High School library. Admission is free, but space is limited. RSVP to conejoforum@hotmail.com or to TOHS at (805) 495-7491, ext. 1026.