Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. In the US, more than 800,000 youth suffer from depression each year, and more than 500,000 make a suicide attempt that requires medical attention. Sixty to eighty percent  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. From the community of Wellesley, seven people under the age of 25 completed suicide in the past five years.

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, resilience and early identification of depression.  

Adolescent Wellness is currently assisting Children's Hospital Boston by scheduling meeting rooms, registering participants and partially funding professional consultation.  The various workshops series are comprised of parents, of school leaders for any grade 7-12, of community program leaders including clergy and scout leaders, and peer leaders of high school age.  The workshops for the current school year have started.

In addition, Adolescent Wellness has arranged for referral assistance for the Wellesley area, regardless of school, age or insurance.  Details may be viewed on the Annoucements page.

If you are interested in more information or wish to arrange similar resources in your community, please email Workshops@AdolescentWellness.org or call (781) 727-8617 and ask about the Community Starter Kit.