Maybe your child is merely having a bad day, but maybe it’s something more. Nine in ten adolescents who take their own lives were previously diagnosed with a mood disorder such as depression. Depressed people often retreat into themselves, when secretly they’re crying out to be rescued. Many times they’re too embarrassed to reveal their unhappiness to others, including their parents or other family members. Boys in particular may try to hide their emotions, in the misguided belief that it is a sign of weakness.

In May of last year the Lopez Island Prevention Coalition held five “Let’s Talk” community meetings asking those who attended what were their concerns and thoughts about mental health and substance abuse. Resources and information were two of several needs identified by the groups. In response to those identified needs the LIPC has identified funds in their newly awarded Drug Free Community Support Grant to help address some of those concerns.

A free eight-hour Youth Mental Health Training will be made available to all community members who work with youth, Saturday, Feb. 13 at the Lopez School Library. The course is designed for adults who regularly interact with adolescents (school staff, coaches, youth group leaders, parents, teachers, business leaders, faith communities, law enforcement and the general public).

The course teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of variety of mental health challenges common among adolescent, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, ADHD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance use disorder. Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling; rather, participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotion crisis.

If you have an interest in attending this free training, please register with Georgeana or Paula at LIPC at 468.3770 or  email lopez.prevention@gmail.com