While there are several different opinions on the effects of diet and exercise on depression symptoms, many experts suggest that staying physically healthy can help us stay mentally healthy as well. A new report from Opposing Views details how vitamins and minerals (or a lack thereof!) can have a big effect for those suffering from depression. 

This is part two of the Question and Answer period of our Teen Depression Webinar that took place on June 6^th, facilitated by Dr. Mary Fristad. For the first part of Dr. Fristad’s session, click here.

On June 6^th during our Teen Depression Webinar, Dr. Mary Fristad took part in a very informative question and answer period. We've transcribed Dr. Fristad's answers to your questions about teen depression.

By the time she was 14 years old, Laqwanda's life had become very painful.  She was dealing with domestic violence at home, bullying, and depression. Worse still, she didn't have a support system to help her through those problems.

In an effort to keep up with the latest happenings in mental health, each week we blog about the latest research, studies, programs, and social commentaries.  Our blog, "Mental Health Buzz," is also place where people can write thought pieces and/or personal stories that they want a larger audience to read. We'd like to invite you to submit a blog entry!

A recent cartoon in The New Yorker shows a dais with a number of people, all in caps and gowns, seated behind the lectern where the similarly clad speaker says: “My fellow graduates, today we leave behind the trappings of youth, step boldly onto the road of life, and move back in with our parents.”

Although the summer is approaching, teens dealing with depression don't have a vacation from their feelings.  If a teen is suffering from depression, it can impede their ability to enjoy normal activities or socialize with family and friends.  If left untreated, depression can lead to more serious, life threatening consequences.  Learn the signs of teen depression and how to intervene if a teen you know needs help by watching our Teen Depression Webinar on Wednesday, June 6 at 2pm ET.  This free, 1-hour webinar will be presented by Families for Depression Awareness and facilitated by Dr. Mary Fristad. 

Sign up today!

Photo credit: www.anissat.com/photos.php

Recently I was very upset about a show that was aired on ABC 20/20 “Just Plane Crazy.” They were calling people that were clearly having some sort of mental breakdown “crazy.”  I felt passionately that it was wrong. I could relate to one of the people they were making fun of because it was so similar to what happened to me when I was experiencing a manic episode.

Dr. William Beardslee of our advisory board is quoted in the May 2, 2012 Wall Street Journal Article "Parent's Depression Linked to Problems in Children." In the article, pediatrician, Dr. Perri Klass describes how important it is for doctors to check on a parents' mental health when they suspect there may be a problem.

Mental health clinicians and researchers have debated about the average onset age of bipolar disorder.  A study published in the May 2012 Archives of General Psychiatry may have another clue towards solving this debate.  The study, led by Kathleen Ries Merikangas, Ph.D., of the National Institute of Mental Health, showed that 2.5% of the 10,123 teenagers surveyed (approx. 253 teens) met the criteria for lifetime bipolar I or bipolar II disorder.