Regulatory bodies around the world have issued warnings about the use of anti-depressants in children and adolescents. But they're warnings that may have had some unintended consequences.

Researchers at the University of Manitoba tracked teen depression and suicide rates for two years following such warnings from Health Canada in 2004. They made some sad discoveries. Following the warnings, there was a significant decrease in doctor visits for depression among children, teens and young adults. And there was a 25 percent increase in the number of suicides among those same age groups.

Today, we're looking for the Christian response to teen depression, suicide, mental health, and cutting - a gruesome form of self-injury that teenagers are resorting to - to stop their emotional pain and to distract them from feelings of rejection and loneliness. Although few studies have examined the prevalence of self-injury, current estimates suggest that from 10 to 14 percent of teens have self-injured.

We'll also speak with experts who know medicine, and who understand teens and their issues.

We'll also hear from a teen who's fought the battle of depression and mental illness. Now, she's taking the courageous step of sharing her story, to help fight the stigma. Take a look:

Karyn Gordon's Full Interview - Watch Here

HELPFUL PARENT/TEEN RESOURCES

www.brettullman.com

Brett Ullman speaks with courage and conviction on sensitive, current issues affecting youth including self-injury, suicide, substance abuse, sexuality, music and faith in our modern age.

www.drkaryn.com

Who is Generation Y? What makes them “tick”? How can you motivate Generation Y (ages 8-27) at school and in the workplace? Dr. Karyn has the answers.

www.youthunlimitedgta.com

Youth Unlimited is a faith-based charity that believes in the unlimited potential of youth. It is committed to helping them develop holistically, both personally and spiritually, by providing caring people to whom they can turn.

www.yfccanada.com

One third of the population is under the age of 25 and the opportunity before us as youth specialists is enormous. Young people are looking for a truth that works and today's culture is longing to know God. Youth for Christ is involved in responsible, effective and culturally sensitive evangelism of youth, communicating and caring in ways that are relevant to this generation.

www.family.org/lifestages/teens

Uniting, challenging and entertaining teens

THE GUESTS

SHAUNA SIMMONDS
www.makeyouthink.tv

Shauna Simmonds is the Executive Producer of Make You Think TV - a production company that focuses on building character and values in today's teens.

DR. KARYN GORDON

www.drkaryn.com
www.dkbwellness.com

A Youth / Generation Y expert, corporate / family consultant, motivational speaker, and author, Dr. Karyn's style is dynamic and inspiring. Her gift is communicating playfully, passionately and pragmatically, helping Gen Y and those who work with them (companies and families) truly understand this generation. Dr. Karyn's mission is to truly understand what makes Generation Y 'tick' (deciphering their thoughts, feelings, and actions) so she can help them and those who work with them (families & companies) understand and motivate them to reach their greatest leadership potential.

KARYN BOEHMER

Anyone who’s been a teenager, knows what it is to experience anxiety. But for Karyn Boehmer, anxiety was just the tip of an iceberg. An iceberg of depression that turned out to be caused by a chemical imbalance in her brain.

DR. STANLEY KUTCHER

www.teenmentalhealth.org/about_drkutcher.php
http://psychiatry.medicine.dal.ca/people/kutcher.htm

Dr. Stanley Kutcher is a world-renowned expert in the area of adolescent mental health. He is the Sun Life Financial Chair in Adolescent Mental Health at Dalhousie University. He works at translating mental health research into effective interventions and policy to meet the needs of young people.