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What is Depression?

Depression is a biological illness that affects more than 800,000 teens each year. Depression impacts the way you feel, the way you think, and how you act. It is not a character flaw, a weakness, and it is not something you can just "get over".

The good news is that depression can be treated. Depression is among the most treatable of psychiatric illnesses, and early recognition and treatment of depression appears to be the best way to prevent suicide. The first steps toward recovery are understanding what depression is, what symptoms to look for and how to get help. We hope this website helps you do that. You are not alone! The most important thing a person can do is TALK to someone. Whether you are struggling or you are concerned that a friend may be suffering from depression, confiding in a trusted adult and seeking professional help is the best course of action.

Swensrud Depression Prevention Initiative (SDPI)

The Swensrud Depression Prevention Initiative (SDPI) is a program housed in the Department of Psychiatry at Children’s Hospital Boston. SDPI aims to end the silence of teen depression and suicide by creating innovative programs that promote open conversations and changes in schools, communities, and organizations.

How does SDPI do this? By increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting early identification of depression. We give teens, adults, and communities the tools to understand depression and suicide. We also create programs that teach healthy ways of managing difficult emotions and create ways to maintain open communication about depression and suicide.