30 July 2010

Ever wondered what really works for young people who have depression?

beyondblue: the national depression initiative and experts from Orygen Youth Health Research Centre at The University of Melbourne have joined forces to produce a booklet to help young people find which treatments work and which don't..

What Works for Depression in Young People, launched this week at the International Youth Mental Health Conference in Melbourne, reviews more than 30 treatment options and rates each one against the latest clinical evidence from Australia and overseas. 

• Can chocolate ease the symptoms of depression?
• Does art therapy help?
• Will St John's Wort stop you from feeling down?
• How effective is light therapy?

You'll find the answers to these and other questions in the booklet. It uses a 'thumbs up, thumbs down' rating scale covering medical, psychological, complementary and lifestyle options that may be used to treat depression in young people.

In fact, there's lots of information about how depression affects young people. If you read this booklet, it will help you to:

• recognise the signs of depression in yourself or someone else
• understand the different types of depression
• find out where to get help.

beyondblue CEO Leonie Young says: "We think this will be really useful not only for young people, but for their parents and for health professionals who work with young people.

"You can find out what treatments are likely to help a young person with depression and I hope it also encourages young people to help their friends."

Youthbeyondblue's main messages are - look for the signs of depression and anxiety, listen to each other, talk about what's going on and seek help together.

What Works for Depression in Young People is available for FREE here or by calling the beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636.