Is Your Teen Just Sad, Or Is It Something More? Come Learn The Signs

How do you know when your teenager is just sad, or is battling depression? Are you a student wondering if your friend is considering suicide, and you’re not sure how to help?

A program presented by the Ocean County Library aims to help parents, teens and adults who work with or care for teens to recognize signs of depression, warning signs for suicide and more.

The interactive awareness training, “More Than Sad: Recognizing Teen Depression, Suicide Warnings and How to Help,” is being presented Monday, May 18 at the Lacey branch of the library, one of five branches where it will be presented. It begins at 6:30 p.m. at the branch on East Lacey Road.

The program aims to help parents, teens and others learn to recognize and respond to signs of depression and other common behavioral concerns. Special focus is given to risk factors and warning signs for suicide, as well as resources for youth and families.

The programs are free and open to the public. Plus, free Continuing Education Credits are available for educators and professionals who attend this program.

The program also will be offered at the following branches. Their phone numbers are listed to reserve a seat:

• Toms River, 101 Washington St., Toms River, at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26. (732) 349-6200
• Tuckerton, 380 Bay Ave., Tuckerton, at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 1. (609) 296-1470
• Brick, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick, at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9. (732) 477-4513