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At ROCK 2005 last month in Ocean City, more than 500 teens and youth leaders attended a break-out session I helped to lead, 'Recognizing and Responding to Teen Depression and Bipolar Disorder.'

At the beginning of the session, most teens acknowledged by a show of hands that they had friends who suffered from depression or bipolar disorder, had friends who cut themselves, or knew of someone who had attempted or committed suicide. Several of the high schools represented had students who had committed suicide this school year.

I showed a video, titled 'Day for Night,' produced by the Depression and Related Affective Disorders Association, which depicted teens with mood disorders (not actors) telling the story of their symptoms, their treatment and their recovery.

The symptoms of both major depression and bipolar disorder were described to educate students about how mood disorders usually present to teens and how they differ from the usual ups and downs of adolescence.

The video was realistic, but hopeful, challenging teens to seek help when they suspect a mood disorder could be present.

A follow-up quiz revealed that the participating teens had gotten the message. They understood that being a Christian did not make them immune from mental illness but that their faith and their faith community could be a resource in recovery.

They were surprised to find out that teenage boys were five times more likely to kill themselves than girls and that suicides are more numerous in the spring than the winter. They all reported learning that with treatment most people can learn to manage mood disorders and lead healthy, productive lives.

Both youth and their leaders were challenged to be more sensitive to those around them who may need help and to make their youth groups places of compassion and healing for those in recovery. Several youth leaders requested help in developing follow-up programs in their local churches.

Joyce Derby , a clinical psychologist, and Laura Apostal, pastor of Brandenburg UMC in Woodbine, facilitated the session. The video 'Day for Night' is available through the Baltimore-Washington Conference Subcommittee on Ministry with Persons with Mental Illness and their Families. For more information, see www.bwconf.org/mentalillness/.