MENTAL HEALTH

Teenager tells of Sad days
2nd Jan 2004

	T.J. was treated for depression in an adolescent psychiatric unit
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One in five people will be affected by depression at some point in their lives and at any one time, one in ten people will suffer from the illness in some form. The condition has a wide range of psychological and physical effects, which can include feelings of persistent sadness, sleeping problems, changes in appetite and in the most serious of cases, suicidal thoughts or intentions.

It is also becoming more prevalent among teenagers, with depression currently affecting 5 in every 100 young people. Teenager T.J. (Antonia) Caister, who has recently returned to school after her struggle against depression, was one such sufferer. T.J.’s plight was realised when she had run away from home and called a radio phone-in following the disappearance of rock star Mickey Mitch. She sounded distressed and threatened suicide. Then, having been found safely, she was taken to an adolescent psychiatric unit where she was diagnosed with depression. T.J. began an intensive course of therapy and the 17 year old is now back at home and returned to her studies last week.

“I didn’t know what was happening to me - I just felt so dead and cold all the time. I felt that no-one understood, except Mickey Mitch, because he hurt himself too, but then when he disappeared and left me too, I was all alone. They were crazy days and they were sad days and I just felt so alone.

I think the turning point in my treatment came when my therapist, Mary, made me realise that I had to face my mum and dad and let them know how angry I was with them. I thought that if they really loved me they wouldn’t argue and shout and they’d be happy. When they used to argue it was like I didn’t exist and it used to make me feel so worthless and small. I was very angry with them but after lots of family therapy sessions, we have started to work things out.

I feel so much better than I did 3 months ago. I don’t feel completely cured but I’m well on my way…”