PARENTS AGAINST DEPRESSION INC

Mission

On March 25, 2013, we lost our only son Dominic to depression. On that day, Parents Against Depression, Inc., (P.A.D.) was born. At P.A.D. our motto is to "Save our Sons and Daughters." The mission of P.A.D. is to reduce the number of preventable suicides among young people between 13 and 30 years of age by increasing awareness, identifying gaps in diagnosis and treatment, and advocating long-term policy change relating to depression. P.A.D. would like to raise awareness that depression is a brain disease which needs early intervention. P.A.D.'s goal is to fight the stigma associated with depression. We want to reach out to teens and young adults and encourage them to ask for help. We also want to educate parents and the community about the causes, triggers, and treatment options associated with depression. Below are some of the awesome comments from students and parents: • Thank you for not saying that just “changing your attitude" will help because most people say that and its just not true. Also thank you for reminding people that depression and anxiety are actual illnesses. • This helps me a lot because I am dealing with anxiety and am seeking help • I liked that you said depression was just like any other disease and you shouldn't be embarrassed to ask for help. Your story was also very moving. • I really like how you used Dominic as an example for the presentation. It definitely made it easier to understand. Overall, I liked how in depth you went into depression. • Great presentation. Appreciate it being given to my child. • Thank you for such an informative presentation - from someone who has been treated for depression and who has a child with social anxiety. Bless you! • Well done! Never knew about the science side. • We were grateful for your willingness to share your story and research. It was the first time the mechanisms of depression were explained in a manner that I could grasp the complexity of the condition.