Schools

McLean High To Host Discussion on Teen Depression

Virginia Department of Health statistics indicate a teenager commits suicide in Northern Virginia, on average, once every four months.

In the first of a series of dicussions dealing with problems teenagers in Northern Virginia face, McLean High School will host a community meeting on Wednesday night about depression and teenagers.

The event coincides with National Depression Awareness Month, which is marked in October every year.

Data collected from the most recent Fairfax County Youth Survey indicates 620 out of 2,000 students polled in Fairfax County reported feeling significantly depressed. Even more troubling, 300 students in the survey considered committing suicide and 65 students attempted suicide in one year. 

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"The new McLean High School Health, Wellness and Safety Speaker Series will be aimed at helping parents address these topics, learn ways to communicate with their children, the various warning signs to look for and how to seek help," the press release reports. 

The discussion will include input from the school pyschologist, a physchiatrist and other local experts. 

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The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the McLean High School cafeteria. 

Later this school year, the series will also address other topics, including bullying, alcohol and drug abuse and lack of sleep.  


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