NIMH to Host Twitter Chat on Teen Depression

NIMH experts will be available to answer questions live

April 16, 2018 • Institute Update

In recognition of Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is hosting a Twitter chat to discuss teen depression. The chat will take place Thursday, May 3, 2018, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET.

Being a teenager can be tough, and experiencing emotional ups and downs is a normal reaction when facing challenging or stressful situations. But there is a difference between sadness or moodiness and depression. Depression is a common mood disorder that can affect how a person handles everyday activities such as sleeping, eating, and school or work. It is important to know the signs and seek help as early as possible.

During this hour-long chat, Argyris Stringaris, M.D., Ph.D., MRCPsych, chief of the NIMH Mood Brain and Development Unit, and Ken Towbin, M.D., chief of the Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in the NIMH Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, will describe depression and discuss the signs and symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options for teens. Drs. Towbin and Stringaris will also be available to answer questions on the topic.

The experts cannot provide specific medical advice or referrals. Please consult with a qualified health care provider for diagnosis, treatment, and answers to your personal questions. If you need help finding a provider, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/findhelp.

To ask questions, you must have a Twitter account. Remember to use #NIMHChats with your questions and posts. An archive of the chat will be posted on NIMH’s website following the event.

Follow @NIMHgov  for updates about the chat and other information about mental health research. If you have any questions, please email NIMHpress@nih.gov.