Workshops exploring new possibilities within Wellesley, MA

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. In the US, more than 800,000 teenagers suffer from depression each year, and more than 500,000 make a suicide attempt that requires medical attention. Sixty to eighty percent of these adolescents, however, go undiagnosed or untreated, and untreated depression can lead to deteriorating schoolwork, high absenteeism, dropping out, strained peer and adult relationships, and potential suicide. In the MetroWest communities outside of Boston, two hundred people under age 25 attempted suicide and required medical attention in the most recent year reported in MDPH statistics, 2005.

Adolescent Wellness sought out assistance from Children Hospital Boston's Swensrud Depression Prevention Initiative in organizing a community wide effort in Wellesley to address adolescent depression.  The aim of this outreach effort is to provide education to important adults in adolescent's lives, as well as the adolescents themselves, around adolescent depression.  The goals of providing this information are: 1) encourage open communication, 2) increase adults' level of comfort in talking to adolescents about depression and suicide, and to 3) increase awareness and early identification of depression.  

Adolescent Wellness is currently assisting Children's Hospital Boston in piloting workshops for key adults in the lives of our youth by scheduling meeting rooms, registering participants and partially funding professional consultation.  Please draw upon this Wellesley community resource by registering below - there is no charge.  You will receive a confirmation email back within a week which will include the Wellesley meeting room location. 

Note that clicking on any registration link below creates a 'Pop-up window' which some browsers need to be told is OK by clicking on an icon or message near the top of the view.  To avoid the barrier, press and hold the [Ctrl] key at lower left of keyboard while clicking on the registration link.   If you have difficulty registering online, either email your full contact information and which workshop is preferred to Workshops@AdolescentWellness.org or fax the information to (781) 431-7013.