Skills competition designed to provide hope for depressed teens

By Staff Writer

Individuals who successfully recover from depression and bipolar disorder can serve as role models for problem teens who suffer from the emotional disorders.

In an effort to highlight these brave individuals, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) held a national contest that challenged people to share their stories through a creative process. The group recently revealed the finalists in four categories: essay, art, video and poetry.

The winners will be featured on the DBSA's website, FacingUs.org, as well as other social networking platforms, such as Facebook. The organization hopes that these success stories will provide help for troubled teens.

Janet Taylor, one of the judges of the competition, said that individuals who have unresolved symptoms of depression may increase their chances of recovery by receiving guidance from people who have experienced similar hardships. Other judges included various healthcare, literary, film and art experts, as well contest finalists from past years.

According to PBS, approximately 4 percent of adolescents develop serious depression each year. Teens who have emotional problems may benefit from wilderness therapy, which aims to provide steps toward a happy and healthy future.