The Other Side of Blue
The Truth About Teenage Depression
By Elyse Dubo, MD, and Boja Vasic
in collaboration with Linda Conn, MSW, and Marshall Korenblum, MD

There is a widespread belief that depression in adolescence and young adulthood is normal - that moodiness and "the blues" are almost a rite of passage. To some extent this may be true, yet it dangerously masks the fact that eight to ten percent of teens suffer from true clinical depression. Young people with undiagnosed depression may appear irritable rather than sad. They may be angry, argumentative, or even violent; may get in trouble in school or with the law; may self-medicate with alcohol and drugs; and, in all to many cases, may attempt suicide. A tragically large number of such attempts succeed.

Brianna felt that she had no future: "There's nothing good inside of me, there's nothing good outside of me. Why would I want to be in this world?" Darren hurt inside but was ashamed to admit he needed help. "I was in the tough crowd," he says, "Tough guys don't go to psychiatrists." Lauren was always tired, and cried constantly. Unable to connect with others, she spent much of her time in bed. "When you're really depressed there's no ladder, you're so far down." Chris was diagnosed with clinical depression for the first time after he attempted suicide. "I really had no sense of self-worth. To me it didn't matter if I died or lived." Once diagnosed, he realized that he had probably had the illness for most of his life.

In addition to the honest testimonies of these four engaging young people, the film includes commentary by two psychiatrists and a social worker who work with teens, and who provide helpful context on the nature, causes, symptoms, and consequences of clinical depression, what makes teenage depression different, its impact on families, and available treatments, as well as how the continuing social stigma associated with depression blocks some teens from seeking help. This profoundly touching and provocative video is must viewing for college and high school audiences, as well as for those who love and work with them.

DVD version has both closed-captions and audio description.

31 minutes
© 2000
Purchase $229.00 DVD
Order No. QA-300
ISBN (DVD) 1-57295-831-6

Reviews
"I highly recommend this video. It will provide students with an excellent introduction to clinical depression." Dr. Margaret Matlin, SUNY Genesco

"This presentation provides facts to counter the myths and stereotypes of depression. It's useful as a resource for the education and training of psychiatrists, social workers, guidance counselors, and teachers. It should also be considered for direct education to young people." Disability Studies Quarterly

"A timely commentary on public perceptions of mental illness. A balanced perspectives between patient and health care provider. Highly recommended for educators, social workers and health professionals as well as public libraries and school media centers." MC Journal

"Recommended for high school and college students, as well as their parents." Booklist

"This presentation provides facts to counter the myths and stereotypes of depression. Useful as a resource for the education and training of psychiatrists, social workers, guidance counselors, and teachers. It should also be considered for direct education to young people."-- Disability Studies Quarterly

"A timely commentary on public perceptions of mental illness. A balanced perspectives between patient and health care provider. Highly recommended for educators, social workers and health professionals as well as public libraries and school media centers." - MC Journal

"Recommended for high school and college students, as well as their parents." - Booklist

Awards & Conference Screenings
American Psychiatric Assn. Annual Conference
Western Psychological Association Film Festival
Gold Award, Health Sciences Communications Assn.
Bronze World Medal, New York Festivals
Chris Statuette, Columbus International Film Festival

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To rent or purchase this film, please visit the Icarus Films website

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