Learning Aids

Plans and Instructions for the Facilitator

• Day for Night© Recognizing Teenage Depression should be shown to small groups rather than in an assembly, unless it can be followed immediately by small group discussions.
• The facilitator should be a health professional, science teacher or physical education teacher.
• The facilitator must view the film and study the lesson plan ahead of time.
• The facilitator should have available the correct number of handouts for the questionnaire and the viewing guide

Before reviewing the film:

• Elicit definitions of depression from students and write on the board, overhead transparency or (ideally) on newsprint, which can be taped up during the session. (5 minutes)
• Hand out the preview questionnaire on the students' current knowledge and understanding of the topic. (5 minutes)
• Write the three goals of the film on board, transparency or newsprint. (2 minutes)
  1. To help students, educators and other mental health professionals to recognize the symptoms of teenage clinical depression and manic-depressive disorder.
  2. To reduce the stigma of mental illness by raising awareness and advocating treatment.
  3. To give hope to teenagers that if depression is properly recognized and treated, people can live happy, healthy and productive lives.
• View film (26 minutes)

After viewing the film:

• Elicit from students the points made in the film – "What Teenagers Should Learn from the Film"
• Go over "frequently asked questions" about teenage depression.
• Answer any other student questions.
• Have students look at the preview questionnaire and change any answers. Then provide the correct answers.

Concluding activity:

• Elicit from students what they know after the presentation. Validate their ideas by writing them as above.

Note: This plan covers two 40-minute class periods. To prepare, show the film and discuss it will be difficult to do in one class period. DRADA feels strongly that this topic is worth the time spent. Remember: the purpose of this video and the accompanying lessons is to raise awareness of this illness in our adolescent population.


Viewing Guide

"Day for Night©: Recognizing Teenage Depression"
Students: Watch for the answers to the following questions. Take notes on any points you want to remember and/or discuss on another sheet of paper, or in your notebooks.

• How does it feel to be depressed?
• How many teens will suffer depression?
• Whose fault is it to have depression?
• Does depression always manifest itself as sadness?
• What are the symptoms of depression?
• What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
• What must people do when they have these feelings?
• What is the biological cause of depression?
• What can be done medically for depression?
• How can friends help?

Preview Questionnaire

"What Do You Know about Depression?"
Mark all your answers "T" (true) or "F" (false)

_____ Five percent of all teenagers will suffer a major depression.

_____ Depression is a behavior, not an illness.

_____ Depression can usually be controlled through willpower.

_____ Depression can run in families.

_____ Depression is often embarrassing to those who have it and their families.

_____ When someone is depressed, it is obvious to others.

_____ Depression comes in more than one form.

_____ Depression can be treated with medication.

_____ The abuse of alcohol and drugs is sometimes a symptom of depression.

_____ People who suspect they are depressed need to seek help.

To Print this Questionnaire click here and then press the print button on the browser window.

Expected Outcomes

Following are the major messages in the film. These could be used as discussion items or as part of a quiz.

• Five percent of all teenagers will suffer from major depression.
• Depression is a medical illness.
• Depression can run in families.
• List the signs and symptoms of clinical depression.
• List the signs and symptoms of manic-depressive disorder.
• Using alcohol and drugs to "self medicate" can lead to serious trouble.
• Psychiatrists, counselors, social workers, and psychologists are trained to help.
• Depression can be treated with medication.
• If a doctor prescribes medication, it is important to keep taking it.
• If a student identifies with the signs and symptoms of depression or a manic-depressive disorder, they should tell someone: a family member, friend, guidance counselor, educator or school nurse. Anyone they feel they can confide in and who will help them seek treatment.

Day for Night© is NOT about Suicide Prevention or Violence Prevention. This film is not intended for use in Suicide Prevention Programming or Violence Prevention Education.

Use of Information

The information on this site is intended to help users learn about teenage depression and related mood disorders. It is provided for informational and referral purposes only. The web site should NOT be used as a substitute for medical advice, counseling, or other health-related services or as a replacement for the services of a trained medical or mental health professional. For medical or mental health advice, services, and treatment, consult your primary care physician or a qualified mental health care professional.

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