Clinton Township Newsletter

1 9 D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 5 1127 Route 31 S., Lebanon 908.735.9998 www.sbveterinary.com COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR PETS AND THEIR PALS e lizabeth h unton dvm j eff s alatiello vmd r achael g ordon mvb g e t t i n g h e l P f o r y o u r t e e n W i t h d e P r e s s i o n By Lyn Siegel MSW, MPH, LCSW About 20% of teens will experience depression and most of those will experience more than one episode. A typical episode for teens lasts about 9 months. Depression is more common when there is a family history of depression. Consider that therapy for depression can reduce the risk of problems now and later in life, School problems, substance abuse, poor relationships, job problems, risky sexual relationships, physical illness, suicide attempts are amongst the many risk factors for depression. It is important to take a teen's depression seriously so that the symptoms and behaviors can be addressed. Depression is the number one cause of teen suicide and the 3rd leading cause of teen deaths. When is it time to take your teen to a therapist? If you notice a significant change in their mood and/or behavior especially when these changes are due to situations such as being bullied, a breakup of a boy/girlfriend relationship or significant friendship, or poor school performance, then professional help is likely necessary . Changes in habits such as sleeping or eating or the use of drugs or alcohol can also indicate a need for professional help. Teens with depression will often withdraw from their friends and families. They are often moody and irritable and lose interest in activities that were once enjoyable. How can you get your teen to accept therapy? Be sure to talk to your teens in a loving, helpful way and let them know that you want them to be happier, emotionally healthier and to enjoy life more. While you may be frustrated with your depressed teen's behavior, try to be helpful and positive in order to move them toward accepting professional help. Ask them to attend some therapy sessions and get them involved in selecting a therapist as a start. Antidepressant medications can be an effective way to treat depression and anxiety in teenagers. However, antidepressant use in adolescents must be monitored carefully, as rarely there can be severe side effects. In fact, antidepressants carry a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) black box warning regarding a possible risk of increased suicidal behavior in some individuals under the age of 25. Also, consider family therapy if there are problems in the family that are creating the teen's difficulty. A skilled family therapist will be able to manage group sessions with the family. The family can learn to work together in helping and supporting the teen, and working through any family problems that are contributing to the teen's difficulties. For a free consultation, contact Lyn Siegel MSW, MPH LCSW Family Therapist 908.586.3254, email: lynsiegel@embarqmail.com, 50 Beaver Avenue, Annandale, NJ 08801, www. ClintonTherapist.citymax.com. h u n t e r d o n C o u n t y h i s t o r i C a l s o C i e t y a n d d o r i C h o u s e m u s e u m d e C k e d o u t t o d e l i g h t t h e s e n s e s f o r t h e h o l i d a y s ! The Hunterdon County Historical Society's 1845 Doric House Museum will come alive this winter with the scents and smells of the holiday season! Once the home of master architect and builder Mahlon Fisher, this stately high-style Greek revival house will be open to the public on two Thursdays, December 3 and 10 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm, and again on two Sundays, December 6 and 13 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. In addition, the Doric House will be open Saturday, November 28 from 1:00 - 6:00 pm to help kick off the holiday festivities with the downtown Flemington's "shop local" event that includes holiday entertainment on Main Street and carriage rides from 3:00 - 6:30 pm. The Hunterdon County Historical Society is located at 114 Main Street in Flemington. Two local garden clubs bring the season to life each year at the Hunterdon County Historical Society's library and Doric House Museum (114 Main St, Flemington, NJ 08822). The Community Garden Club of Hunterdon County and the Garden Club of Hunterdon Hills will transform the home and library with many natural, hand-made decorations. This year's theme of spices and smells will surely bring back a nostalgic feel of the holidays as the garden decorators work their magic in the historic rooms with cinnamon, gingerbread, apples, dried herbs and sage. Visitors may also view the Stangl Gallery, the second and third floor period rooms and gallery of the Doric House and the Society's library. For more information about this event and the Hunterdon County Historical Society, visit the website at: www.HunterdonHistory.org. For the FBID event on November 28, visit: www.DowntownFlemington.com.

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