Resources For Teens and Parents of Teens and Children

by Families for Depression Awareness

For pre-teens and teens, four young people describe their struggles with bipolar disorder and depression. Includes helpful diagrams and photos.

Conquering the Beast Within: How I Fought Depression and Won..and How You Can Too
by Cait Irwin

Irwin tells her story of how the "beast" of depression gradually took over her life, accompanying simple yet eloquent text with her own comic-style drawings.

The Bipolar Child by Demitri F. Papolos MD, Janice Papolos

For any caregiver experiencing life with a bipolar child, Demitri and Janice Papolos's The Bipolar Child will be an indispensable reference guide.

Depression Is the Pits, but I'm Getting Better: A Guide for Adolescents
by E. Jane Garland

Discusses the symptoms and types of depression, how to get help.

Detour: My Bipolar Road Trip in 4-D
by Lizzie Simon

Simon interviewed six other young successful people with bipolar disorder all between ages 16 and 30 chronicling their stories.

The Storm in My Brain by Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation .
by bpkids.org

Easy to understand, colorful booklet that speaks to children about how it feels to have a mood disorder.

Harvard researcher Machoian sets out to determine why so many young women seem to emotionally withdraw and to explain how parents and others can help them.

Help Me, I’m Sad by David Fassler and Lynne Dumas

Discusses how to tell if your child is at risk; how to spot symptoms; depression’s impact on the family; teen suicide; finding the right diagnosis, therapist, and treatment; and what you can do to help.

More Than Moody
by Harold S. Koplewicz, MD

Offers practical advice and guidance to families with children who have depression. Also helps parents distinguish between normal teenage angst and true depression.

Out of the Darkened Room: Protecting the Children and Strengthening the Family by Dr. William Beardslee

Dr. William Beardslee presents his effective program to bolster suffering parents with strong tools for healing; and most importantly, to promote resilience in their children.

Raising a Moody Child by Mary Fristad and Jill Arnold

This book explains how treatment works and what additional steps parents can take at home to help children with mood disorders — and the family as a whole — improve the quality of their lives.

Will's Choice
by Gail Griffith

Four years ago, Griffith's 17-year-old son, Will, attempted suicide. Book discusses the suicide attempt, both and her son's depression and her own struggles with the illness.