Navigating Teenage Depression: A guide for parents and professionals

Given the likelihood of cuts to mental health services Navigating Teenage Depression is a timely reminder of the importance of recognising and treating depression in teenagers, be that mild depression or emerging bipolar disorder.

The authors both work at the Black Dog Institute in Australia, which specialises in mood disorders, and give a useful overview of some of the causes of teenage depression and what it feels like to be a teenager with depression. They take the reader through the assessment and treatment process, finishing with tips on maintaining good mental health.

The book contains many powerful testimonies from young people that vividly portray the devastating impact of depression as well as offering hope that recovery is possible.

There are, however, difficulties with the book. First, it is not clear who the book is aimed at — it is not a particularly easy read for parents unless they are reasonably well informed already. It would be more suitable for teachers or youth workers who will often come into contact with emotionally vulnerable or troubled teenagers.

The second issue is while the assessment and treatment processes in Australia are similar to those in the UK, a lot of the terminology is not. Indeed some of the ethos of the Black Dog Institute does not have currency in the UK.

Nevertheless, it allows the voices of young people to take centre stage both in terms of their own personal experiences and what works for them in terms of effective wellbeing strategies.

Kathryn Hill, director of Mental Health Programmes, Mental Health Foundation

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