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July 21, 2021, 10:09 a.m.

'On Our Minds' student podcast on depression and mental health

Summary

On this episode of “On Our Minds,” a podcast made by teenagers for teenagers on mental health, Noah and Zion discuss the body’s reaction to depression and the relationship between physical and mental illness.
  • Maddy, a high schooler with POTS, recounts her story from receiving her diagnosis of depression, OCD, and anxiety, and slowly getting better through therapy.
  • Dr. Aguilar, founding director and lead therapist at Hope Center for Wellness in Washington, D.C, discusses going through the loss of loved ones to suicide and dealing with suicidal thoughts, taking steps to recognize signs of depression and reaching out for help. Later in the podcast, they discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and seasonal changes on people’s mental health.

Five Facts

  • Who is susceptible to depression?
  • What is depression?
  • Why is talking about suicide actually more helpful to those who are struggling, than avoiding the subject?
  • When in the year is Zion happiest? What about Noah?
  • Where can those who need help, find help?

Focus Questions

Dr. Aguilar says that it’s important to have people we trust, whom we can go to with our thoughts without fear of judgement. What role does others’ perception play in mental health struggles? What are some ways to fight the stigma surrounding depression? Media literacy: This Daily News Lesson is about a podcast. How does it differ from a video lesson? What special experiences does a podcast offer that a video doesn’t? What about the other way around?

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