Resources for Understanding and Recognizing Depression

Today I co-presented a class on clinical depression to a group of ladies from my church. It turned into more of a discussion, which is just what we wanted. I loved being a part of it.

If you were not able to attend, worry not! Here are some of the resources I shared with the class. (Note: Some are from a Latter-day Saint/Christian perspective. Keep in mind, these are things I shared in a church setting, so you are welcome to ignore them if you want to stick with secular resources. The more religious resources will have a URL beginning with lds.org, or will come from the Ensign or New Era magazines).

General Resources:

-       “Mental Illness: In Search of Understanding and Hope” by Jan Underwood Pinborough. Ensign, February 1989.

-       “Myths about Mental Illness” by Alexander B. Morrison. Ensign, October 2005.

-       “Bipolar Disorder: My Lessons in Love, Hope, and Peace.” Ensign, January 2009.

-       “On Kindness” by C. Jane Kendrick.

For Parents:

-       “When Your Child is Depressed” by Sean E. Brotherson. Ensign, August 2004.

-       Teen Depression: A Guide for Parents and Teachers.

                 

Young Adult Resources:

-       “I Almost Lost My Sister.” New Era, August 2008.

-       Half of Us. I highly highly highly recommend this site for educating youth and young adults about depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, both for themselves, and how to help those around them.

-       “The Anxiety Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Deal with Anxiety and Worry” by Lisa Schab LCSW. Available through Amazon.com, $10.17.

-       “Beyond the Blues: A Workbook to Help Teens Overcome Depression” by Lisa Schab LCSW. Available through Amazon.com, $10.17.

-       “Stopping the Pain: A Workbook for Teens Who Cut and Self Injure” by Lawrence Shapiro PhD. Available through Amazon.com, $11.53.

-       “The Anger Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Deal with Anger and Frustration” by Raychelle Lohmann MS LPC. Available on Amazon.com, $10.85.*

(Note: I have not personally used these workbooks, but they have received great reviews on Amazon.com, and look like a very positive and cost-effective resource).

Natural Solutions:

-       Evaluate (and alter, if needed) your diet and exercise habits.

-       Herbal remedies for depression include SAM-e, 5-HTP and St. John’s Wort.

-       It is wise to work with a healthcare professional to establish healthy lifestyle habits and to determine which medication/herbal supplement is best for you. But it is also very important to listen to the Spirit and your own body.

*A woman attending the class also recommended checking out the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. It seems like a valuable resource, though I haven't had a chance to look at it much right now.

Feel free to add any other resources you have discovered in the comments below. Thank you!