We are not a crisis center. If you or someone you know is suicidal, please call 800-273-TALK or 9-1-1 immediately.
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Hello! My name is Sarah Hill, Co-Chair of Families for Depression Awareness' upcoming Strides Against Stigma walk event. When I was first asked by Julie to co-chair the event, I was both keen to get started and a little nervous. 
Those who are deeply grounded in faith traditions often look to their religious leaders and fellow parishioners for support. It is crucial for these communities to provide it—especially when families are dealing with depressive disorders. A recent Baylor University study surveyed nearly 6,000 Protestant churchgoers in 24 different churches. According to a press release, co-author Dr. Diana Garland reports that, “Families with mental illness stand to benefit from their involvement within a congregation, but our findings suggest that faith communities fail to adequately engage these families because they lack awareness of the issues and understanding of the important ways that they can help.”
The results are in: Our June 13th webinar on teen depression was viewed by nearly 200 parents, school staff, clinicians, and youth workers from around the country!
When a suicide occurs, many people have mixed emotions and opinions. The ones who were close with the victim have one opinion, often mixed with a myriad of confusing emotions and sadness, while outside opinions can go either way. What some commentators are saying about a recent suicide in Florida, however, shows how misunderstanding of depressive disorders creates so much stigma around mental illness. 
On my way to Woburn Memorial High for my first speaking engagement with the Teen Speakers Program, I had no idea how the students would react to me. Due to the summer weather outside and their last day of classes approaching, it was somewhat of a challenge to get them to listen. But, for the period of time Emma and I spoke on June 8th, I was pleasantly surprised to notice a lot of wandering eyes shift their attention toward us.
Yesterday I spoke to an audience of mostly underclassmen at Woburn Memorial High School, and was greeted by group of summer-bound teenagers, most of whom entered the gym listening to ipods or chatting with friends. I could tell it was the end of the school year, but I hoped to hold their attention for twenty minutes or so, just to share with them a few basic points about my struggles with depression. (photo, l-r: Loren Baccari, School Adjustment Counselor; Olivia, volunteer; Emma, volunteer)
Jerome B. Tichner, Jr., a partner at McDermott Will & Emery, is being honored with an award for his exceptional commitment to pro bono work and service to the community. Jerry is a member of the Board of Directors for Families for Depression Awareness, and selected us to receive a donation from the firm in his honor of $1,500. Thank you Jerry!
We recently spoke with Ashley, a new teen speaker for Families for Depression Awareness, who wanted to share her story with us and, in turn, we are sharing it with you. Ashley was barely in high school when she was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety and went through a grueling few months before she found a treatment combination that worked for her. Now, she bravely shares her experiences to educate others about depression and that it's okay to reach out for help. Read more of her story 
The Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention
