Fireproof
By Hannah Goodwyn CBN.com Producer
CBN.com - Hollywood isn’t known for its portrayal of what love is supposed to be like – selfless, honest, and faithful. Often, films are wrought with adultery, abuse, and easy divorces. That’s what makes Fireproof, a new drama from the Kendrick brothers, so unique.
Alex and Stephen Kendrick, along with countless volunteers from Sherwood Baptist Church in Georgia, have done it again. Following Facing the Giants’ surprising box office success, the Kendrick team is using film to tackle a prominent cultural issue – marriages on the brink of divorce.
The Movie in a Minute or Less
Capt. Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron) knows how to manage a crisis. Everyday, he directs a team of brave firefighters as they answer calls for help. At the same time, he doesn’t realize the danger his own marriage is facing. In a desperate attempt to win back his wife Catherine (Erin Bethea), Caleb goes to his father for some veteran advice. Seeking a quick way to fix his marriage, Caleb slowly learns how to love.
The Moral of the Story (spoiler alert!)
As far as ministry tools go, this new movie is one of the best at showing what God intends for marriage. Singles and married couples alike will witness the reconciliation of two broken people and how God can heal even the most damaged of relationships.
At first, Caleb is ready to give up on his wife and move on. Their relationship has deteriorated over time and he isn’t too keen on working to save it. That’s when this story really begins to unfold.
You’ve got a husband who doesn’t feel validated at home and a wife who feels unappreciated and unloved. Sound familiar? It’s a simple storyline, but the plot starts to thicken as Caleb tries to recapture his wife’s heart. Through the wisdom of his father and a 40-day experiment called “The Love Dare,” Caleb begins to realize the meaning of love.
True love isn’t what’s best for me; it is seeking what’s best for you. To have a good marriage, you must first understand how to love someone and that comes from the source of unconditional love – God. That’s the point of this story.
Along his spiritual journey, Caleb also confronts his addiction to pornography, an issue often ignored in Christian culture. In fact, the storyline centers on this addiction as part of the conflict between Caleb and Catherine. As is true in reality, he must avoid these images that cause him to lust if he’s going to regain her respect.
One qualm with the story is the lack of response to Catherine’s actions. During the semi-separation phase of their marriage, she enjoys the affection and attention given to her by another man. Her willingness to commit this emotional affair isn’t adequately addressed in the movie. Although some would agree that her actions are wrong, this “adultery with the eyes” should have been dealt with better in the script.
But, Is It a Good Movie?
Fireproof is a step up from Sherwood Pictures’ last release, Facing the Giants. So, if you liked that one, you’ll love this new one. The acting is better. The story is better. The execution (cinematography, direction, editing, etc.) is much better.
Actor Kirk Cameron, best known for his role on the hit TV show Growing Pains, brings the character of Caleb to life on screen. It’s a good performance and he adds solid emotion to each scene. Just one question: Where’s Kirk’s accent? It’s understandable that everyone would have a southern accent, but Kirk (who’s from California) seems to be missing his. (Movie Trivia Side Note: Cameron did not accept money for this project. He too was a volunteer.)
On a strictly entertainment critiquing level, the acting in Fireproof is less than stellar in a few cases, which is somewhat expected since the entire cast is basically volunteers from the church. However, Caleb’s friend Lt. Michael Simmons (Ken Bevel) shows his acting talent well. His humor and sincere emotion helped to make the movie memorable. A few secondary characters (specifically Caleb’s neighbor and fellow firefighters) also brought great comedic relief to the film.
To Buy a Ticket or Not to Buy a Ticket?
Is it worth 10 bucks? Normally, I would say no. Based on the entertainment quality of the film, it doesn’t meet my very high standard of what a movie should be if they expect me to pay 10 dollars to see it. However, I am making an exception in this movie’s case. Its inspirational and powerful message outweighs its minor weaknesses.
All in all, this is a great movie. It’s not even close to being Oscar-worthy, but this little film will touch the hearts of men and women unlike the usual big box office hits. My eyes weren’t dry by the end of the movie, and I seem to remember seeing some guys in the theater wipe one or two tears away as well.
This is one movie critic who highly recommends everyone see Fireproof. Marrieds may learn valuable lessons from it, as all the singles out there will too. Also, kids will enjoy it and understand a little something about love and God’s part in our lives.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Eating Disorder Checklist
Many individuals are aware in themselves or see in others, seemingly strange behaviors or thoughts related to food and body, but are unsure if these behaviors indicate a problem or harmless quirks. Below is a checklist which assists in determining the likelihood one suffers from an eating disorder.
Eating Disorders Checklist
Checklist for symptoms of eating disorders, please answer
YES or NO
Do you feel society pressures you to be thin?
Do you feel you must be thin to be OK?
Are you preoccupied with food?
Do you feel guilty about eating?
Do you feel the need to be superior and perfect in academics, athletics and weight control?
Do you feel your weight is one of the few aspects of your life which you can control?
Do you diet excessively and/or abuse laxatives, diet pills or diuretics?
Do you feel you have become isolated from your family and friends?
Do you prefer eating alone?
Do you count all the calories hidden in every bite you eat?
Do you ever consume large amounts of food in a frenzy of hunger?
Do you ever induce vomiting after eating, particularly after a binge?
Do you exercise excessively?
Do you feel fat despite the fact that others tell you that you are thin or OK?
Does your weight fluctuate dramatically?
Have your menstrual periods ceased or become irregular?
Do you have trouble concentrating?
Do you often feel depressed and unhappy with yourself?
If you or someone you know answered "YES" to 5 or more of the above questions then you should check out some of our additional information on eating disorders or get some help.
This checklist is based on the description of eating disorders found in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), copyright 1994, American Psychiatric Association.
Authored by Shirley Reierson, MSW, LICSW
Eating Disorders can be a very serious condition and most of the time require professional assistance. They are a "real" disease and should not be minimized or expected to go away in time. The earlier intervention is provided, the easier it will be to resolve the problem.
If you or someone you love is suffering from an eating disorder it may be difficult to seek treatment due to the mixed emotions of the disease. On the one hand, you want to get rid of the eating disorder to find health and happiness, on the other you feel the disease is the only thing you can trust and could not live without it. Know that these types of thoughts are normal and should not prevent you from seeing help. Eating Disorders are most often rooted in self-esteem and identity conflicts and can be improved, if not resolved through therapy and sometimes medication.
I would be happy to answer any questions you have about eating disorders. Call, email, or comment and I will respond as quickly as possible.
Jennifer Morgan M.A., LPC, BCPCC
Eating Disorders Checklist
Checklist for symptoms of eating disorders, please answer
YES or NO
Do you feel society pressures you to be thin?
Do you feel you must be thin to be OK?
Are you preoccupied with food?
Do you feel guilty about eating?
Do you feel the need to be superior and perfect in academics, athletics and weight control?
Do you feel your weight is one of the few aspects of your life which you can control?
Do you diet excessively and/or abuse laxatives, diet pills or diuretics?
Do you feel you have become isolated from your family and friends?
Do you prefer eating alone?
Do you count all the calories hidden in every bite you eat?
Do you ever consume large amounts of food in a frenzy of hunger?
Do you ever induce vomiting after eating, particularly after a binge?
Do you exercise excessively?
Do you feel fat despite the fact that others tell you that you are thin or OK?
Does your weight fluctuate dramatically?
Have your menstrual periods ceased or become irregular?
Do you have trouble concentrating?
Do you often feel depressed and unhappy with yourself?
If you or someone you know answered "YES" to 5 or more of the above questions then you should check out some of our additional information on eating disorders or get some help.
This checklist is based on the description of eating disorders found in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), copyright 1994, American Psychiatric Association.
Authored by Shirley Reierson, MSW, LICSW
Eating Disorders can be a very serious condition and most of the time require professional assistance. They are a "real" disease and should not be minimized or expected to go away in time. The earlier intervention is provided, the easier it will be to resolve the problem.
If you or someone you love is suffering from an eating disorder it may be difficult to seek treatment due to the mixed emotions of the disease. On the one hand, you want to get rid of the eating disorder to find health and happiness, on the other you feel the disease is the only thing you can trust and could not live without it. Know that these types of thoughts are normal and should not prevent you from seeing help. Eating Disorders are most often rooted in self-esteem and identity conflicts and can be improved, if not resolved through therapy and sometimes medication.
I would be happy to answer any questions you have about eating disorders. Call, email, or comment and I will respond as quickly as possible.
Jennifer Morgan M.A., LPC, BCPCC
Friday, June 12, 2009
Understanding teen depression
There are as many misconceptions about teen depression as there are about teenagers in general. Yes, the teen years are tough, but most teens balance the requisite angst with good friendships, success in school or outside activities, and the development of a strong sense of self. Occasional bad moods or acting out is to be expected, but depression is something different. Depression can destroy the very essence of a teenager’s personality, causing an overwhelming sense of sadness, despair, or anger.Whether the incidence of teen depression is actually increasing, or we’re just becoming more aware of it, the fact is that depression strikes teenagers far more often than most people think. And although depression is highly treatable, experts say only 20% of depressed teens ever receive help.Unlike adults, who have the ability to seek assistance on their own, teenagers usually must rely on parents, teachers, or other caregivers to recognize their suffering and get them the treatment they need. So if you have an adolescent in your life, it’s important to learn what teen depression looks like and what to do if you spot the warning signs.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION IN TEENS
Sadness or hopelessness
Irritability, anger, or hostility
Tearfulness or frequent crying
Withdrawal from friends and family
Loss of interest in activities
Changes in eating and sleeping habits
Restlessness and agitation
Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
Fatigue or lack of energy
Difficulty concentrating
Thoughts of death or suicide
If you’re unsure if an adolescent in your life is depressed or just “being a teenager,” consider how long the symptoms have been present, how severe they are, and how different the teen is acting from his or her usual self. While some “growing pains” are to be expected as teenagers grapple with the challenges of growing up, dramatic, long-lasting changes in personality, mood, or behavior are red flags of a deeper problem.
The difference between teenage and adult depression
Depression in teens can look very different from depression in adults. The following symptoms of depression are more common in teenagers than in their adult counterparts:
Irritable or angry mood – As noted above, irritability, rather than sadness, is often the predominant mood in depressed teens. A depressed teenager may be grumpy, hostile, easily frustrated, or prone to angry outbursts.
Unexplained aches and pains - Depressed teens frequently complain about physical ailments such as headaches or stomachaches. If a thorough physical exam does not reveal a medical cause, these aches and pains may indicate depression.
Extreme sensitivity to criticism - Depressed teens are plagued by feelings of worthlessness, making them extremely vulnerable to criticism, rejection, and failure. This is a particular problem for “over-achievers.”
Withdrawing from some, but not all people - While adults tend to isolate themselves when depressed, teenagers usually keep up at least some friendships. However, teens with depression may socialize less than before, pull away from their parents, or start hanging out with a different crowd.
Effects of teen depression
The negative effects of teenage depression go far beyond a melancholy mood. Many rebellious and unhealthy behaviors or attitudes in teenagers are actually indications of depression. See the table below for some of the ways in which teens “act out” or “act in” in an attempt to cope with their emotional pain:
Untreated Depression Can Lead to…
Problems at school
Depression can cause low energy and concentration difficulties. At school, this may lead to poor attendance, a drop in grades, or frustration with schoolwork in a formerly good student.
Running away
Many depressed teens run away from home or talk about running away.
Substance abuse
Teens may use alcohol or drugs in an attempt to “self-medicate” their depression.
Low self-esteem
Depression can trigger and intensify feelings of ugliness, shame, failure, and unworthiness.
Eating disorders
Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and yo-yo dieting are often signs of unrecognized depression.
Internet addiction
Self-injury-Cutting, burning, and other kinds of self-mutilation are almost always associated with depression.
Reckless behavior-Depressed teens may engage in dangerous or high-risk behaviors, such as reckless driving, out-of-control drinking, and unsafe sex.
Violence
Some depressed teens (usually boys who are the victims of bullying) become violent.
Suicide-Teens who are seriously depressed often think, speak, or make "attention-getting" attempts at suicide. Suicidal thoughts or behaviors should always be taken very seriously.
Suicide warning signs in teenagers
An alarming and increasing number of teenagers attempt and succeed at suicide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds. For the overwhelming majority of suicidal teens, depression or another psychological disorder plays a primary role. In depressed teens who also abuse alcohol or drugs, the risk of suicide is even greater.
Because of the very real danger of suicide, teenagers who are depressed should be watched closely for any signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior.
The warning signs include:
Talking or joking about committing suicide.
Saying things like, “I’d be better off dead,” “I wish I could disappear forever,” or “There’s no way out.”
Speaking positively about death or romanticizing dying (“If I died, people might love me more”).
Writing stories and poems about death, dying, or suicide.
Engaging in reckless behavior or having a lot of accidents resulting in injury.
Giving away prized possessions.
Saying goodbye to friends and family as if for good.
Seeking out weapons, pills, or other ways to kill themselves.
If you suspect that a teenager you know is suicidal, take immediate action! For 24-hour suicide prevention and support, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
If you suspect that a teenager in your life is suffering from depression, take action right away. Depression is very damaging when left untreated, so don’t wait and hope that the symptoms will go away. Even if you’re unsure that depression is the issue, the troublesome behaviors and emotions you’re seeing in your teenager are signs of a problem. Whether or not that problem turns out to be depression, it still needs to be addressed - the sooner the better.
Talk to your teen
The first thing you should do if you suspect depression is to talk to your teen about it. In a loving and non-judgmental way, share your concerns with your teenager. Let him or her know what specific signs of depression you’ve noticed and why they worry you. Then encourage your child to open up about what he or she is going through.
TIPS FOR TALKING TO A DEPRESSED TEEN
Offer support
Let depressed teenagers know that you’re there for them, fully and unconditionally. Hold back from asking a lot of questions (teenagers don’t like to feel patronized or crowded), but make it clear that you’re ready and willing to provide whatever support they need.
Be gentle but persistent
Don’t give up if your adolescent shuts you out at first. Talking about depression can be very tough for teens. Be respectful of your child’s comfort level while still emphasizing your concern and willingness to listen.
Listen without lecturing
Resist any urge to criticize or pass judgment once your teenager begins to talk. Avoid offering unsolicited advice or ultimatums as well.
Validate feelings
Don’t try to talk teens out of their depression, even if their feelings or concerns appear silly or irrational to you. Simply acknowledge the pain and sadness they are feeling. If you don’t, they will feel like you don’t take their emotions seriously.
If your teen claims nothing is wrong, but has no explanation for what is causing the depressed behavior, you should trust your instincts. Remember that denial is a strong emotion. Furthermore, teenagers may not believe that what they’re experiencing is the result of depression. If you see depression’s warning signs, seek professional help. Neither you nor your teen is qualified to either diagnosis depression or rule it out, so see a doctor or psychologist who can.
Visit your family doctor
Make an immediate appointment for your teen to see the family physician for a depression screening. Be prepared to give your doctor specific information about your teen’s depression symptoms, including how long they’ve been present, how much they’re affecting your child’s daily life, and any patterns you’ve noticed. The doctor should also be told about any close relatives who have ever been diagnosed with depression or another mental health disorder.
As part of the depression screening, the doctor will give your teenager a complete physical exam and take blood samples to check for medical causes of your child’s symptoms. In order to diagnose depression, other possible causes of your teen’s symptoms must first be ruled out. The doctor will check for medical causes of the depression by giving your teenager a complete physical exam and running blood tests. The doctor may also ask your teen about other things that could be causing the symptoms, including heavy alcohol and drug use, a lack of sleep, a poor diet (especially one low in iron), and medications (including birth control pills and diet pills).
Explore the treatment options
Expect a discussion with the health professional you’ve chosen about treatment possibilities for your son or daughter. There are a number of treatment options for depression in teenagers, including one-on-one talk therapy, group or family therapy, and medication.
Talk therapy is often a good initial treatment for mild to moderate cases of depression. Over the course of therapy, your teen’s depression may resolve. If it doesn’t, medication may be warranted. However, antidepressants should only be used as part of a broader treatment plan.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health:
When medication is used, it should not be the only strategy. There are other services that you may want to investigate for your child. Family support services, educational classes, behavior management techniques, as well as family therapy and other approaches should be considered. If medication is prescribed, it should be monitored and evaluated regularly.
Unfortunately, some parents feel pushed into choosing antidepressant medication over other treatments that may be cost-prohibitive or time-intensive. However, unless your child is considered to be high risk for suicide (in which case medication and/or constant observation may be necessary), you have time to carefully weigh your options before committing to any one treatment.
Teenagers on antidepressants should be closely monitored for any sign that the depression is getting worse. Warning signs include new or worsening symptoms of agitation, irritability, or anger. Unusual changes in behavior are also red flags.
According to FDA guidelines, after starting an antidepressant or changing the dose, your teenager should see their doctor:
Once a week for four weeks
Every 2 weeks for the next month
At the end of their 12th week taking the drug
More often if problems or questions arise
Taking care of the whole family
As a parent dealing with teen depression, you may find yourself focusing all your energy and attention on your depressed child. Meanwhile, you may be neglecting your own needs and the needs of other family members. While helping your depressed child should be a top priority, it’s important to keep your whole family strong and healthy during this difficult time.
Adapted from TEEN DEPRESSION by helpguide.org
There are as many misconceptions about teen depression as there are about teenagers in general. Yes, the teen years are tough, but most teens balance the requisite angst with good friendships, success in school or outside activities, and the development of a strong sense of self. Occasional bad moods or acting out is to be expected, but depression is something different. Depression can destroy the very essence of a teenager’s personality, causing an overwhelming sense of sadness, despair, or anger.Whether the incidence of teen depression is actually increasing, or we’re just becoming more aware of it, the fact is that depression strikes teenagers far more often than most people think. And although depression is highly treatable, experts say only 20% of depressed teens ever receive help.Unlike adults, who have the ability to seek assistance on their own, teenagers usually must rely on parents, teachers, or other caregivers to recognize their suffering and get them the treatment they need. So if you have an adolescent in your life, it’s important to learn what teen depression looks like and what to do if you spot the warning signs.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION IN TEENS
Sadness or hopelessness
Irritability, anger, or hostility
Tearfulness or frequent crying
Withdrawal from friends and family
Loss of interest in activities
Changes in eating and sleeping habits
Restlessness and agitation
Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
Fatigue or lack of energy
Difficulty concentrating
Thoughts of death or suicide
If you’re unsure if an adolescent in your life is depressed or just “being a teenager,” consider how long the symptoms have been present, how severe they are, and how different the teen is acting from his or her usual self. While some “growing pains” are to be expected as teenagers grapple with the challenges of growing up, dramatic, long-lasting changes in personality, mood, or behavior are red flags of a deeper problem.
The difference between teenage and adult depression
Depression in teens can look very different from depression in adults. The following symptoms of depression are more common in teenagers than in their adult counterparts:
Irritable or angry mood – As noted above, irritability, rather than sadness, is often the predominant mood in depressed teens. A depressed teenager may be grumpy, hostile, easily frustrated, or prone to angry outbursts.
Unexplained aches and pains - Depressed teens frequently complain about physical ailments such as headaches or stomachaches. If a thorough physical exam does not reveal a medical cause, these aches and pains may indicate depression.
Extreme sensitivity to criticism - Depressed teens are plagued by feelings of worthlessness, making them extremely vulnerable to criticism, rejection, and failure. This is a particular problem for “over-achievers.”
Withdrawing from some, but not all people - While adults tend to isolate themselves when depressed, teenagers usually keep up at least some friendships. However, teens with depression may socialize less than before, pull away from their parents, or start hanging out with a different crowd.
Effects of teen depression
The negative effects of teenage depression go far beyond a melancholy mood. Many rebellious and unhealthy behaviors or attitudes in teenagers are actually indications of depression. See the table below for some of the ways in which teens “act out” or “act in” in an attempt to cope with their emotional pain:
Untreated Depression Can Lead to…
Problems at school
Depression can cause low energy and concentration difficulties. At school, this may lead to poor attendance, a drop in grades, or frustration with schoolwork in a formerly good student.
Running away
Many depressed teens run away from home or talk about running away.
Substance abuse
Teens may use alcohol or drugs in an attempt to “self-medicate” their depression.
Low self-esteem
Depression can trigger and intensify feelings of ugliness, shame, failure, and unworthiness.
Eating disorders
Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and yo-yo dieting are often signs of unrecognized depression.
Internet addiction
Self-injury-Cutting, burning, and other kinds of self-mutilation are almost always associated with depression.
Reckless behavior-Depressed teens may engage in dangerous or high-risk behaviors, such as reckless driving, out-of-control drinking, and unsafe sex.
Violence
Some depressed teens (usually boys who are the victims of bullying) become violent.
Suicide-Teens who are seriously depressed often think, speak, or make "attention-getting" attempts at suicide. Suicidal thoughts or behaviors should always be taken very seriously.
Suicide warning signs in teenagers
An alarming and increasing number of teenagers attempt and succeed at suicide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds. For the overwhelming majority of suicidal teens, depression or another psychological disorder plays a primary role. In depressed teens who also abuse alcohol or drugs, the risk of suicide is even greater.
Because of the very real danger of suicide, teenagers who are depressed should be watched closely for any signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior.
The warning signs include:
Talking or joking about committing suicide.
Saying things like, “I’d be better off dead,” “I wish I could disappear forever,” or “There’s no way out.”
Speaking positively about death or romanticizing dying (“If I died, people might love me more”).
Writing stories and poems about death, dying, or suicide.
Engaging in reckless behavior or having a lot of accidents resulting in injury.
Giving away prized possessions.
Saying goodbye to friends and family as if for good.
Seeking out weapons, pills, or other ways to kill themselves.
If you suspect that a teenager you know is suicidal, take immediate action! For 24-hour suicide prevention and support, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
If you suspect that a teenager in your life is suffering from depression, take action right away. Depression is very damaging when left untreated, so don’t wait and hope that the symptoms will go away. Even if you’re unsure that depression is the issue, the troublesome behaviors and emotions you’re seeing in your teenager are signs of a problem. Whether or not that problem turns out to be depression, it still needs to be addressed - the sooner the better.
Talk to your teen
The first thing you should do if you suspect depression is to talk to your teen about it. In a loving and non-judgmental way, share your concerns with your teenager. Let him or her know what specific signs of depression you’ve noticed and why they worry you. Then encourage your child to open up about what he or she is going through.
TIPS FOR TALKING TO A DEPRESSED TEEN
Offer support
Let depressed teenagers know that you’re there for them, fully and unconditionally. Hold back from asking a lot of questions (teenagers don’t like to feel patronized or crowded), but make it clear that you’re ready and willing to provide whatever support they need.
Be gentle but persistent
Don’t give up if your adolescent shuts you out at first. Talking about depression can be very tough for teens. Be respectful of your child’s comfort level while still emphasizing your concern and willingness to listen.
Listen without lecturing
Resist any urge to criticize or pass judgment once your teenager begins to talk. Avoid offering unsolicited advice or ultimatums as well.
Validate feelings
Don’t try to talk teens out of their depression, even if their feelings or concerns appear silly or irrational to you. Simply acknowledge the pain and sadness they are feeling. If you don’t, they will feel like you don’t take their emotions seriously.
If your teen claims nothing is wrong, but has no explanation for what is causing the depressed behavior, you should trust your instincts. Remember that denial is a strong emotion. Furthermore, teenagers may not believe that what they’re experiencing is the result of depression. If you see depression’s warning signs, seek professional help. Neither you nor your teen is qualified to either diagnosis depression or rule it out, so see a doctor or psychologist who can.
Visit your family doctor
Make an immediate appointment for your teen to see the family physician for a depression screening. Be prepared to give your doctor specific information about your teen’s depression symptoms, including how long they’ve been present, how much they’re affecting your child’s daily life, and any patterns you’ve noticed. The doctor should also be told about any close relatives who have ever been diagnosed with depression or another mental health disorder.
As part of the depression screening, the doctor will give your teenager a complete physical exam and take blood samples to check for medical causes of your child’s symptoms. In order to diagnose depression, other possible causes of your teen’s symptoms must first be ruled out. The doctor will check for medical causes of the depression by giving your teenager a complete physical exam and running blood tests. The doctor may also ask your teen about other things that could be causing the symptoms, including heavy alcohol and drug use, a lack of sleep, a poor diet (especially one low in iron), and medications (including birth control pills and diet pills).
Explore the treatment options
Expect a discussion with the health professional you’ve chosen about treatment possibilities for your son or daughter. There are a number of treatment options for depression in teenagers, including one-on-one talk therapy, group or family therapy, and medication.
Talk therapy is often a good initial treatment for mild to moderate cases of depression. Over the course of therapy, your teen’s depression may resolve. If it doesn’t, medication may be warranted. However, antidepressants should only be used as part of a broader treatment plan.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health:
When medication is used, it should not be the only strategy. There are other services that you may want to investigate for your child. Family support services, educational classes, behavior management techniques, as well as family therapy and other approaches should be considered. If medication is prescribed, it should be monitored and evaluated regularly.
Unfortunately, some parents feel pushed into choosing antidepressant medication over other treatments that may be cost-prohibitive or time-intensive. However, unless your child is considered to be high risk for suicide (in which case medication and/or constant observation may be necessary), you have time to carefully weigh your options before committing to any one treatment.
Teenagers on antidepressants should be closely monitored for any sign that the depression is getting worse. Warning signs include new or worsening symptoms of agitation, irritability, or anger. Unusual changes in behavior are also red flags.
According to FDA guidelines, after starting an antidepressant or changing the dose, your teenager should see their doctor:
Once a week for four weeks
Every 2 weeks for the next month
At the end of their 12th week taking the drug
More often if problems or questions arise
Taking care of the whole family
As a parent dealing with teen depression, you may find yourself focusing all your energy and attention on your depressed child. Meanwhile, you may be neglecting your own needs and the needs of other family members. While helping your depressed child should be a top priority, it’s important to keep your whole family strong and healthy during this difficult time.
Adapted from TEEN DEPRESSION by helpguide.org
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Change Your Thoughts, Change your LIFE
Welcome to the first post of Morgan Counseling Minute! As an introductory piece, I have chosen Angela Brittain's Its a Battle for the "High Places." Angela provides the perfect backdrop for Morgan Counseling Services, as my primary way of helping you create change is rooted in changing the way you think.
Please enjoy her articulation and look forward to more posts of all kinds on the Morgan Counseling Minute.
God Bless You
It’s A Battle for the “High Places” by Angela Brittain
You’ve heard the Proverb, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Prov. 23:7). Well, the devil knows that is true. The enemy knows that where the mind goes, the man follows, and that what you think about, you become!!!! The mind and thoughts of a man are powerful, and that is why the devil fights so hard to get your thoughts to focus on anything but the Word of God.
Paul knew what a tremendous spiritual battle was going on when he wrote in Philippians 4:8, “Think on these things: whatsoever things are pure, lovely, true, …” Yes, it is possible to control your thoughts! Look here at 2 Corinthians 10:4: “The weapons of God are not carnal, but are mighty before God to pull down strongholds. In as much as we refute arguments and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the knowledge of God – we lead every thought and purpose captive into the obedience of Christ.”
What are these verses talking about? Thoughts!! High and lofty things are thoughts…but we have authority in Jesus to pull them down!!!! They must come into the obedience of God’s word!! Let’s go to Ephesians 6:12: “We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness of this world and against spiritual wickedness in high places.” I’m going to go out on a limb and say that this is not just referring to heavenly places, but also to our minds. Our thoughts. The “high places” are our minds – where we think and feel. It is a battle for those high places and let me tell you the enemy knows the value of having our thoughts. In fact, big business even knows the value of our thoughts!
It used to be that advertisers just wanted to get their product within physical proximity to you. Coca Cola used to have a goal to get a Coke product within 8 ft. of everyone on the planet. Now they want a certain percent of every individual’s “mind share.” They want a certain portion of your thoughts every day to be about Coca Cola!
Well the enemy wants a certain portion of your thoughts to be about the plans he has for you instead of the plans God has for you. But I am here to tell you that I am not going to give up any of my “mind share” to the enemy. I am not going to share any part of my mind with the devil and neither should you!!! Because when we get into fear and into thinking that God’s not going to do what He says He’s going to do, that’s when we start getting anxious. When we get our eyes off God, we get into trouble because we move into fear and move out of faith.
If we want to change our lives, we’ve got to change the way we think, and it starts with getting rid of the enemy’s words and replacing them with God’s Word!!!! Glory to God!!!
Please enjoy her articulation and look forward to more posts of all kinds on the Morgan Counseling Minute.
God Bless You
It’s A Battle for the “High Places” by Angela Brittain
You’ve heard the Proverb, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Prov. 23:7). Well, the devil knows that is true. The enemy knows that where the mind goes, the man follows, and that what you think about, you become!!!! The mind and thoughts of a man are powerful, and that is why the devil fights so hard to get your thoughts to focus on anything but the Word of God.
Paul knew what a tremendous spiritual battle was going on when he wrote in Philippians 4:8, “Think on these things: whatsoever things are pure, lovely, true, …” Yes, it is possible to control your thoughts! Look here at 2 Corinthians 10:4: “The weapons of God are not carnal, but are mighty before God to pull down strongholds. In as much as we refute arguments and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the knowledge of God – we lead every thought and purpose captive into the obedience of Christ.”
What are these verses talking about? Thoughts!! High and lofty things are thoughts…but we have authority in Jesus to pull them down!!!! They must come into the obedience of God’s word!! Let’s go to Ephesians 6:12: “We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness of this world and against spiritual wickedness in high places.” I’m going to go out on a limb and say that this is not just referring to heavenly places, but also to our minds. Our thoughts. The “high places” are our minds – where we think and feel. It is a battle for those high places and let me tell you the enemy knows the value of having our thoughts. In fact, big business even knows the value of our thoughts!
It used to be that advertisers just wanted to get their product within physical proximity to you. Coca Cola used to have a goal to get a Coke product within 8 ft. of everyone on the planet. Now they want a certain percent of every individual’s “mind share.” They want a certain portion of your thoughts every day to be about Coca Cola!
Well the enemy wants a certain portion of your thoughts to be about the plans he has for you instead of the plans God has for you. But I am here to tell you that I am not going to give up any of my “mind share” to the enemy. I am not going to share any part of my mind with the devil and neither should you!!! Because when we get into fear and into thinking that God’s not going to do what He says He’s going to do, that’s when we start getting anxious. When we get our eyes off God, we get into trouble because we move into fear and move out of faith.
If we want to change our lives, we’ve got to change the way we think, and it starts with getting rid of the enemy’s words and replacing them with God’s Word!!!! Glory to God!!!
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