Is your child feeling anxious or depressed?
About 1 in 4 Americans is diagnosed with a mental illness at any given time.
Clinical depression is a serious illness that affects men and women of all ages.
It can affect your thoughts, feelings, behavior, and general health.
Rick Birt, president and ceo, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisons) is responsible for leading the organizational programming, outreach, development, and communication efforts, while leading the SADD National Staff. Working closely with the Board of Directors, Rick sets and implements the strategic direction for SADD, empowering the millions of students in which SADD serves. An expert in the matters of youth health and safety, Rick has authored several publications that feature SADD’s unique form of a peer-to-peer approach that is vital to creating lasting behavior change in youth. Rick also frequents major news outlets, where he provides perspective for parents on best practices for helping their teen succeed. A SADD alumni himself, SADD has over a decade of prevention experience. Previously, Rick held the position of Executive Vice President, Director of Strategic Partnership, and Development Officer for SADD. Before joining the SADD team, he led Midwest Operations as the Midwest Education Outreach Coordinator for Impact Teen Drivers. Rick is actively involved in the community and spends time giving back to the Washington, DC area. Prior to his move to the District, he spent six years on the Northwestern Local Schools Board of Education (Ohio) and serves on several local and national boards that work to make a change at the community level. Rick is a self-proclaimed dessert aficionado, who enjoys frequent travel adventures and a good Netflix binge.
Clinical depression is a serious illness that affects men and women of all ages.
It can affect your thoughts, feelings, behavior, and general health.
Studies show that high school–aged students with mental illness are more likely to drink, use drugs, and die from suicide (the third leading cause of death in youth)
Talking Points:
- Often, mental illness begins to develop through high school and college years
- Clinical depression is a serious illness that affects men and women of all ages
- Feelings of sadness, which can include crying spells for no apparent reason
- Frustration or feelings of anger, even over small matters
- Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
- Loss of interest in, or conflict with, family and friends
- Use of alcohol or drugs
- Less attention to personal hygiene or appearance
The good news is that there is help for those who suffer from depression and anxiety.
Unfortunately, many teens are reluctant to seek the help they need because of the stigma associated with depression.
SADD chapters have access to information, tools and campaigns that help them know the warning signs, end the stigma, and empower each other to get help.
