no matter what
Param Desagani, a freshman student at Pitzer College, decided to create this website after learning about the self-injurious behavior of teenagers he has known. Param started to research the topic of depression and suicide, which has become a major public health concern: as it’s the third leading cause of death, resulting in 67,000 death rates per year (according to WHO) and with this in mind, he decided to become involved by creating this site to increase the awareness for children and adolescents regarding this far-reaching issue. Param is passionate about psychology, public health, mental health, and helping individuals with emotional and physical disabilities. Param is also the Founder and President of the Sage Hill Outreach Club. He has also partnered with Special Olympics branch of Southern California.
Interview with Dr. Gayani DeSilva
Topics:
1- The role of social media and depression
2- The effect of hopelessness and helplessness on depression
Dr. Gayani DeSilva is a well-known Child and Adolescent psychiatrist with many years of practice in Orange County, California, and the author of “A Psychiatrists Guide: Helping Parents Reach Their Depressed Tween”
Interview with Dr.Zhang
Topic: Depression outcomes in Teens
Dr. Zhang is a psychiatrist at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, CA, with interests in helping and advocating individuals with mental health.
Interview with Dr. Michael Ellis
Topic:
1-The Role of School on Suicide Prevention
2- Suicide in Teens with Autism
Dr. Michael Ellis is a well-known Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who is practicing in Columbus, GA.
Dr. Ellis also specializes in Autism and is an advocate and passionate about helping children with ASD and their families. He is also the author of the book “Caring for Autism: Practical Advice from a Parent and Physician. Dr. Ellis is affiliated with Saint Francis – Emory Health care system and is the Medical director of Bradly Center , and he is also a Clinical Associate Professor both for Mercer University School of Medicine.
As a teenager, you may be vulnerable to academic pressure, peer pressure, bullying, cyber bullying, questioning your sexual identity, relationship issues, loneliness, anxiety, depression, and sexual/physical/verbal/emotional abuse. You may find yourself having recoccuring conversations about death, or maybe writing/ drawing death related content.
Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. If you dont have a trusted adult or friend to talk to, seek help from a professional or a guidance counselor.
