Depression Education in Action

On Monday March 24, 2008, the Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation through the University of Michigan made an educational presentation about depression and suicide risk in youths.  Gull Lake residents Peter and Susan Ordway have generously provided funding to initiate this project.  The goal is to have a sustainable, ongoing community effort to provide education and awareness to the Gull Lake community.  This initiative is a partnership between the University of Michigan, Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation and members of the Gull Lake Community.  This joint initiative will develop with community involvement and support.

Eric Hipple former Detroit Lion shared his personal struggle overcoming depression, and also spoke from the heart about the loss of his teenage son to suicide in 2000.  Now Eric serves as the outreach coordinator for the University of Michigan Depression Center. His personal experiences are what fuel his passion for helping others heal, and even more importantly, give him the drive to educate others about prevention. Over 170 community members attended which included teachers, administration, youth pastors, students, physicians, and concerned citizens.  The mission of this program is to provide education and awareness to parents, students, school personnel and members of the Gull Lake community to help them identify and reach out to youth at risk for depression and suicide. 

Depression is real.  Depression is a serious illness.  Research tells us that there is a genetic component to depression and that it can also be caused by difficult life circumstances.  It is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw, and it reflects real changes in brain chemistry.  As a result of depression, children may feel sad, angry or irritable.  The experience of depression can cause poor school performance, problems with drugs or alcohol and feeling of worthlessness and hopelessness.  

What are the signs of depression?

Feelings

  • Anger
  • Irritability
  • Sadness
  • Experiencing less pleasure

Thoughts

  • Thoughts about suicide or death
  • Negative thoughts about self, including difficulty meeting expectations of others

Behaviors or sudden changes in behavior

  • Isolating self from friends and family
  • Declining school performance
  • Substance abuse
  • Running away
  • Withdrawal from activities
  • School truancy

Physical Complaints or Problems

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches, stomachaches, other body aches
  • Appetite or sleep disturbances

Contact Information

Local Services
For information, for referrals, or someone to talk to, call Gryphon Place 24/7 at 2-1-1 or 269-381-HELP.

To inquire about services or to make an appointment, contact Kalamazoo Community Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services at (269) 373-6000 or 1-888-373-6200.