Increasing Emotional Intelligence by
TREAT DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS
Most people recover from depression and lead
satisfying and productive lives. However, only
approximately two of every five youth who
experience a major depressive episode receive
treatment for depression. A young person may
not access treatment services for many reasons.
Young people may not know they have a mental
health problem; they may feel they will be
misunderstood or stigmatized by their peers or
family; or they or their family may not know how
and where to seek mental or behavioral health
care.
Only in the most severe cases of depression, or
when there is an immediate danger that a person
might harm themselves, is a person admitted
to a hospital. Most people with depression can
be effectively treated within the community.
For some young people, it may be necessary
to treat the depression with medication. These
decisions should be made in consultation with
the family, youth, and medical or mental health
professional, The treatment of depression is
very individualized and should take into account
the youth's family, culture, and past treatment
experience.
Increasing Emotional Intelligence
A range of treatments are available for both
depression and bipolar disorder. There is
some evidence that the following treatments
are effective for depression in young people.
Psychological therapies include:
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is
based on the idea that how a person thinks
affects the way the person feels. When
people get depressed, they think negatively
about most things. They may have thoughts
about how hopeless the situation is and
how helpless the person feels, with a
negative view of themselves, the world,
and the future, Cognitive-behavioral
therapy helps the person recognize such
unhelpful thoughts and change them to
more realistic ones. It also helps people to
change depressive behaviors by scheduling
regular activities and fond past-times. CBT
can include components such as stress
management, relaxation techniques, and
sleep management.
• Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral
therapy (CST) incorporates elements of
cognitive-behavioral and family therapy
for traumatized children.
• Interpersonal psychotherapy helps people
to resolve conflicts with other people, deal
with grief or changes In their, relationships,
and develop better relationships.
• Wraparound care is a team approach that
involves all individuals who are relevant to
the well-being of the young person (such
as family members, teachers, and social
service providers) in setting goals with
the young person and developing an
individualized set of services and supports.
Wraparound services and supports are
usually provided in the young person's
home or community.
• Family support and therapy tries to help all
family members change their patterns of
communication and behaviors so that their
relationships are more supportive and less
conflict occurs.
• Problem-solving therapy involves meeting
with a therapist to clearly identify problems,
think of different solutions for each problem,
choose the best solution, develop and carry
out a plan, and then see whether this solves
the problem.
MEDICATION FOR DEPRESSION
Research has shown that, as with adults, depression
in youth and young adults is treatable. However,
knowledge of antidepressant medications for youth,
although growing substantially, is limited compared
with what is known about using medication to treat
adults with depression. In 2004, the Food and Drug
Administration issued a public warning about an
increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
in children and adolescents treated with a group
of antidepressant medications known as selective
serotonin re up take inhibitors. This warning was
followed in 2006 with a statement that extended the
warning to include young adults up to age 25. More
recently, some research has suggested that the benefits
of antidepressant medications likely outweigh their
risks to children and adolescents with major depression
and anxiety disorders. However, risk of suicide should
be assessed and monitored. It is important that
young people who are on medication be carefully
monitored and supported by a medical professional.
BIPOLAR DISORDER TREATMENTS
There is some evidence that the following treatments
help adolescents with bipolar disorder:
• Medications. Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics,
and antidepressants can be helpful for some
people with bipolar disorder.
• Psycho education involves providing information
to the person and their family about bipolar
disorder, its treatment (including the importance
of continuing to use medication), and managing
its effect on life.1 2 4 Stress reduction, good sleep
habits, and a stable social environment can help
adolescents with bipolar disorder to stay well.
• Psychological therapies. Cognitive behavioral
therapy is an approach that has proven to be
helpful.:" Cognitive behavioral therapy helps
people to monitor mood swings, overcome
thinking patterns that affect mood, and function
better. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapies
cover potential problem areas in the person's
life (grief, changes in roles, disputes, and
interpersonal challenges) and help them
regulate social and sleep rhythms.
• Family therapy and support educates family
members on how they can support the person with
bipolar disorder and avoid negative interactions that
can trigger relapses. The focus of family therapy
includes family psycho education and developing
better family communication.
Young people with depressive disorders may be more
likely to seek help if a parent or another adult close
to them suggests it. Encourage the young person to
talk with their parent or caregiver about what they are
experiencing.
DISCUSS OPTIONS FOR SEEKING PROFESSIONAL HELP
If the young person feels they do need help, discuss
the options for seeking help and encourage the young
person to use these options. If the young person
does not know where to get assistance, help them
seek assistance. It is important to encourage the
young person to get appropriate professional help and
effective treatment as early as possible. Ideally" the
health professional should have expertise in providing
mental health services to young people as well as
trauma-informed treatment. Sometimes it is difficult
to connect with a mental health program. You may
need to provide support in navigating the system for
the young person and their family.
For a younger adolescent, you may need to help
them make and attend an appointment with a health
professional. Older youth may not need the same level
of assistance, but this depends on their maturity and
the severity of the problem. It may take some time
to get a diagnosis and find a health care provider
with whom the person is able to establish a good
relationship. You should encourage the young person
not to give up seeking appropriate professional help.
WHAT IF THE PERSON DOES NOT WANT HELP?
The young person may not want to seek
professional help. Find out whether there are
specific reasons why this is the case. For
example, the youth may be concerned that a
parent cannot afford treatment, may not have
a doctor the young person likes, or may be
worried about being sent to a hospital. These
reasons may be based on mistaken beliefs,
and you may be able to help the young person
overcome worrying about seeking help. If the
young person still does not want help, let the
young person know that if they change their
mind in the future, they can speak to you. If
you think the young person lacks the maturity
to understand what is happening and refuses
help, you need to contact the youth's parents
or a health professional.
Certain factors can moderate depression and
help youth and young adults be successful
despite mental health challenges they may
encounter in their lives. Some of these factors
include:
• Having a good social support system
• Perceiving oneself as competent and likable;
having high self-esteem
• Having good problem-solving skills
• Having a healthy diet and good health
practices
• Believing that they control their own life
• Parental and familial support
OTHER PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP
Encourage the young person to consider other
available supports, such as family, friends,
and support groups. Some young people who
experience depression find it helpful to meet
with others who have had similar experiences.
Family and friends can be an important source
of support for a young person who is depressed.
Recovery from symptoms is quicker for people
who feel supported by those around them.
SELF-HELP STRATEGIES
Many health professionals believe self-help
strategies are helpful for youth with depression.
Young people who are depressed may benefit
from using self-help strategies, such as
• Exercise
• Relaxation training
• Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
• Proper nutrition and sleep
A young person's ability and desire to use self-help
strategies will depend on their interest and
severity of depression. You should not be too
forceful when encouraging the young person
to use self-help strategies. Self-help strategies
may be useful in conjunction with other treatments
and may be suitable for people with less severe
depression. It is important that severe or long lasting
depression be assessed by a health
professional. It is a good idea to discuss the
appropriateness of self-help strategies with a
mental health professional.
LIFESTYLE AND COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES
Very little research has been carried out on
the use of alternative strategies for youth with
depression. The only therapies that have some
supporting evidence for their effectiveness are
massage and light therapy.
• Massage. It is not known how massage might
work to help depression, but it may be that it
reduces the level of stress hormones or tension
in the body.
• Light therapy involves exposure to bright light,
often in the morning. Light therapy is most
useful for seasonal affective disorder (depression
that occurs during the darker winter months)
when used under the guidance of a health
professional.
WEBSITES
The Balanced Mind Foundation is a parent-led, not for-
profit, web-based membership organization of
families raising children diagnosed with, or at risk for,
pediatric bipolar disorder. The foundation educates
families, professionals, and the public about early onset
bipolar disorders. This site provides information
to support families with children suffering from this
disorder, including fact sheets, newsletters, chat
rooms, physician locators, and a support group
directory for each state.
prevention of violence and provides direct information
services to the public by offering online searchable
customized databases; offers technical assistance for
the evaluation and development of violence prevention
programs; and maintains a basic research component
through data analysis and other projects on the
causes of violence and the effectiveness of prevention
and intervention programs.
The Cyber bullying Research Center provides up-to date
information about the nature, extent, causes, and
consequences of cyber bullying among adolescents.
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance,
founded in 1985, is a patient directed national
organization focusing on the most prevalent mental
illnesses. The alliance fosters an environment of
understanding about the impact and management
of these life-threatening illnesses by providing
up-to-date, scientifically based tools and information
written in language the general public can understand.
The alliance supports research to promote more
timely diagnosis, develop more effective and tolerable
treatments, and discover a cure. The organization
works to ensure that people living with mood disorders
are treated equitably.
This site provides information and downloadable
fact sheets on depressive disorders.
The center serves as an information clearinghouse
with literature and resources on the causes and
This website is sponsored by Mental Health America as
part of the Campaign for America's Mental Health. The
mission of this website is to educate people about clinical
depression, offer a confidential way for people to get
screened for symptoms of the illness, and guide people
toward appropriate professional help if
necessary Families for Depression Awareness is an
organization dedicated to informing and
supporting the family members of people
experiencing depressive disorders to help them
support their loved ones. The organization's
website provides resources about depression;
profiles of families who have experienced a
depressive disorder; a newsletter and podcast
series; and other tools and links.
To locate mental health and addictions treatment
facilities in your community, use the Find a
Provider feature on the National Council's website.
This government site provides a wealth of
excellent, up-to-date information on mental
health problems and research. The site has
downloadable booklets, brochures, and fact
sheets about specific mental health challenges
and disorders.
Pendulum is a nonprofit organization providing
information on bipolar disorder. The website
includes book reviews, discussion forums,
articles, and links to other resources.
This website from the USA Department of Health
and Human Services features a range of tools,
such as a guide to using the materials; a section
on cyber bullying; and various sections from
different perspectives, such as mental health, law
enforcement, and education. It also has a separate
section specifically for children, featuring animation
and child-specific frequently asked questions.
BOOKS
These two self-help books based on CST for
depression have been found effective in trials:
OTHER BOOKS THAT MAYBE USEFUL ARE:
A self-help guide for people in treatment for
bipolar disorder. Includes strategies for
preventing relapse, safe and effective goal
setting, and medication
A depression relapse prevention workbook based
on CST principles.
This CST-based self-help book focuses on
learning thinking strategies to overcome
suicidal thoughts.
This guide is written for the parents and other
caregivers of adolescents with a diagnosis
of bipolar disorder or depression Increasing Emotional Intelligence.
satisfying and productive lives. However, only
approximately two of every five youth who
experience a major depressive episode receive
treatment for depression. A young person may
not access treatment services for many reasons.
Young people may not know they have a mental
health problem; they may feel they will be
misunderstood or stigmatized by their peers or
family; or they or their family may not know how
and where to seek mental or behavioral health
care.
Only in the most severe cases of depression, or
when there is an immediate danger that a person
might harm themselves, is a person admitted
to a hospital. Most people with depression can
be effectively treated within the community.
For some young people, it may be necessary
to treat the depression with medication. These
decisions should be made in consultation with
the family, youth, and medical or mental health
professional, The treatment of depression is
very individualized and should take into account
the youth's family, culture, and past treatment
experience.
Increasing Emotional Intelligence
A range of treatments are available for both
depression and bipolar disorder. There is
some evidence that the following treatments
are effective for depression in young people.
Psychological therapies include:
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is
based on the idea that how a person thinks
affects the way the person feels. When
people get depressed, they think negatively
about most things. They may have thoughts
about how hopeless the situation is and
how helpless the person feels, with a
negative view of themselves, the world,
and the future, Cognitive-behavioral
therapy helps the person recognize such
unhelpful thoughts and change them to
more realistic ones. It also helps people to
change depressive behaviors by scheduling
regular activities and fond past-times. CBT
can include components such as stress
management, relaxation techniques, and
sleep management.
• Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral
therapy (CST) incorporates elements of
cognitive-behavioral and family therapy
for traumatized children.
• Interpersonal psychotherapy helps people
to resolve conflicts with other people, deal
with grief or changes In their, relationships,
and develop better relationships.
• Wraparound care is a team approach that
involves all individuals who are relevant to
the well-being of the young person (such
as family members, teachers, and social
service providers) in setting goals with
the young person and developing an
individualized set of services and supports.
Wraparound services and supports are
usually provided in the young person's
home or community.
• Family support and therapy tries to help all
family members change their patterns of
communication and behaviors so that their
relationships are more supportive and less
conflict occurs.
• Problem-solving therapy involves meeting
with a therapist to clearly identify problems,
think of different solutions for each problem,
choose the best solution, develop and carry
out a plan, and then see whether this solves
the problem.
MEDICATION FOR DEPRESSION
Research has shown that, as with adults, depression
in youth and young adults is treatable. However,
knowledge of antidepressant medications for youth,
although growing substantially, is limited compared
with what is known about using medication to treat
adults with depression. In 2004, the Food and Drug
Administration issued a public warning about an
increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
in children and adolescents treated with a group
of antidepressant medications known as selective
serotonin re up take inhibitors. This warning was
followed in 2006 with a statement that extended the
warning to include young adults up to age 25. More
recently, some research has suggested that the benefits
of antidepressant medications likely outweigh their
risks to children and adolescents with major depression
and anxiety disorders. However, risk of suicide should
be assessed and monitored. It is important that
young people who are on medication be carefully
monitored and supported by a medical professional.
BIPOLAR DISORDER TREATMENTS
There is some evidence that the following treatments
help adolescents with bipolar disorder:
• Medications. Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics,
and antidepressants can be helpful for some
people with bipolar disorder.
• Psycho education involves providing information
to the person and their family about bipolar
disorder, its treatment (including the importance
of continuing to use medication), and managing
its effect on life.1 2 4 Stress reduction, good sleep
habits, and a stable social environment can help
adolescents with bipolar disorder to stay well.
• Psychological therapies. Cognitive behavioral
therapy is an approach that has proven to be
helpful.:" Cognitive behavioral therapy helps
people to monitor mood swings, overcome
thinking patterns that affect mood, and function
better. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapies
cover potential problem areas in the person's
life (grief, changes in roles, disputes, and
interpersonal challenges) and help them
regulate social and sleep rhythms.
• Family therapy and support educates family
members on how they can support the person with
bipolar disorder and avoid negative interactions that
can trigger relapses. The focus of family therapy
includes family psycho education and developing
better family communication.
Young people with depressive disorders may be more
likely to seek help if a parent or another adult close
to them suggests it. Encourage the young person to
talk with their parent or caregiver about what they are
experiencing.
DISCUSS OPTIONS FOR SEEKING PROFESSIONAL HELP
If the young person feels they do need help, discuss
the options for seeking help and encourage the young
person to use these options. If the young person
does not know where to get assistance, help them
seek assistance. It is important to encourage the
young person to get appropriate professional help and
effective treatment as early as possible. Ideally" the
health professional should have expertise in providing
mental health services to young people as well as
trauma-informed treatment. Sometimes it is difficult
to connect with a mental health program. You may
need to provide support in navigating the system for
the young person and their family.
For a younger adolescent, you may need to help
them make and attend an appointment with a health
professional. Older youth may not need the same level
of assistance, but this depends on their maturity and
the severity of the problem. It may take some time
to get a diagnosis and find a health care provider
with whom the person is able to establish a good
relationship. You should encourage the young person
not to give up seeking appropriate professional help.
WHAT IF THE PERSON DOES NOT WANT HELP?
The young person may not want to seek
professional help. Find out whether there are
specific reasons why this is the case. For
example, the youth may be concerned that a
parent cannot afford treatment, may not have
a doctor the young person likes, or may be
worried about being sent to a hospital. These
reasons may be based on mistaken beliefs,
and you may be able to help the young person
overcome worrying about seeking help. If the
young person still does not want help, let the
young person know that if they change their
mind in the future, they can speak to you. If
you think the young person lacks the maturity
to understand what is happening and refuses
help, you need to contact the youth's parents
or a health professional.
Certain factors can moderate depression and
help youth and young adults be successful
despite mental health challenges they may
encounter in their lives. Some of these factors
include:
• Having a good social support system
• Perceiving oneself as competent and likable;
having high self-esteem
• Having good problem-solving skills
• Having a healthy diet and good health
practices
• Believing that they control their own life
• Parental and familial support
OTHER PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP
Encourage the young person to consider other
available supports, such as family, friends,
and support groups. Some young people who
experience depression find it helpful to meet
with others who have had similar experiences.
Family and friends can be an important source
of support for a young person who is depressed.
Recovery from symptoms is quicker for people
who feel supported by those around them.
SELF-HELP STRATEGIES
Many health professionals believe self-help
strategies are helpful for youth with depression.
Young people who are depressed may benefit
from using self-help strategies, such as
• Exercise
• Relaxation training
• Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
• Proper nutrition and sleep
A young person's ability and desire to use self-help
strategies will depend on their interest and
severity of depression. You should not be too
forceful when encouraging the young person
to use self-help strategies. Self-help strategies
may be useful in conjunction with other treatments
and may be suitable for people with less severe
depression. It is important that severe or long lasting
depression be assessed by a health
professional. It is a good idea to discuss the
appropriateness of self-help strategies with a
mental health professional.
LIFESTYLE AND COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES
Very little research has been carried out on
the use of alternative strategies for youth with
depression. The only therapies that have some
supporting evidence for their effectiveness are
massage and light therapy.
• Massage. It is not known how massage might
work to help depression, but it may be that it
reduces the level of stress hormones or tension
in the body.
• Light therapy involves exposure to bright light,
often in the morning. Light therapy is most
useful for seasonal affective disorder (depression
that occurs during the darker winter months)
when used under the guidance of a health
professional.
WEBSITES
The Balanced Mind Foundation is a parent-led, not for-
profit, web-based membership organization of
families raising children diagnosed with, or at risk for,
pediatric bipolar disorder. The foundation educates
families, professionals, and the public about early onset
bipolar disorders. This site provides information
to support families with children suffering from this
disorder, including fact sheets, newsletters, chat
rooms, physician locators, and a support group
directory for each state.
prevention of violence and provides direct information
services to the public by offering online searchable
customized databases; offers technical assistance for
the evaluation and development of violence prevention
programs; and maintains a basic research component
through data analysis and other projects on the
causes of violence and the effectiveness of prevention
and intervention programs.
The Cyber bullying Research Center provides up-to date
information about the nature, extent, causes, and
consequences of cyber bullying among adolescents.
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance,
founded in 1985, is a patient directed national
organization focusing on the most prevalent mental
illnesses. The alliance fosters an environment of
understanding about the impact and management
of these life-threatening illnesses by providing
up-to-date, scientifically based tools and information
written in language the general public can understand.
The alliance supports research to promote more
timely diagnosis, develop more effective and tolerable
treatments, and discover a cure. The organization
works to ensure that people living with mood disorders
are treated equitably.
This site provides information and downloadable
fact sheets on depressive disorders.
The center serves as an information clearinghouse
with literature and resources on the causes and
This website is sponsored by Mental Health America as
part of the Campaign for America's Mental Health. The
mission of this website is to educate people about clinical
depression, offer a confidential way for people to get
screened for symptoms of the illness, and guide people
toward appropriate professional help if
necessary Families for Depression Awareness is an
organization dedicated to informing and
supporting the family members of people
experiencing depressive disorders to help them
support their loved ones. The organization's
website provides resources about depression;
profiles of families who have experienced a
depressive disorder; a newsletter and podcast
series; and other tools and links.
To locate mental health and addictions treatment
facilities in your community, use the Find a
Provider feature on the National Council's website.
This government site provides a wealth of
excellent, up-to-date information on mental
health problems and research. The site has
downloadable booklets, brochures, and fact
sheets about specific mental health challenges
and disorders.
Pendulum is a nonprofit organization providing
information on bipolar disorder. The website
includes book reviews, discussion forums,
articles, and links to other resources.
This website from the USA Department of Health
and Human Services features a range of tools,
such as a guide to using the materials; a section
on cyber bullying; and various sections from
different perspectives, such as mental health, law
enforcement, and education. It also has a separate
section specifically for children, featuring animation
and child-specific frequently asked questions.
BOOKS
These two self-help books based on CST for
depression have been found effective in trials:
OTHER BOOKS THAT MAYBE USEFUL ARE:
A self-help guide for people in treatment for
bipolar disorder. Includes strategies for
preventing relapse, safe and effective goal
setting, and medication
A depression relapse prevention workbook based
on CST principles.
This CST-based self-help book focuses on
learning thinking strategies to overcome
suicidal thoughts.
This guide is written for the parents and other
caregivers of adolescents with a diagnosis
of bipolar disorder or depression Increasing Emotional Intelligence.