Red Flags is a middle school based depression awareness and intervention program involving the entire school community. The program consists of three components, and is built around the short film “Thick ‘n Thin”. Red Flags is simple to implement, reduces stigma, improves school climate, low cost and proven effective at any level of implementation.
I am excited to be able to present this middle school program at the NASBHC Conference. My hope is to bring a sense of excitement about implementing this program not just in Ohio, but throughout the country. (Schools in several states - Florida, Michigan, and Oregon, to name a few - have already jumped on board utilizing this program.)
Everywhere I take Red Flags; it seems that everyone has a story. Many adults will often relay memories of loneliness, sadness, bullying and more, from their youth. Likewise, many students I’ve met seem to be waiting and wanting a listening ear to share their struggle with sometimes baffling emotions and circumstances and, perhaps, even feelings that there’s no way out. Musician and Entertainer, Lady Gaga, remains very open about the battle throughout her teenage years, having been consistently picked on about her looks. The message she tries to convey to all of her fans is one of overcoming: “We must be brave; follow our dreams.”
We’ve identified that there is a definite need for more awareness about adolescent depression and how to intervene. Now we have an easy solution – The Red Flags Program! The curriculums short film, “Thick ‘n Thin”, highlights a period in the life of Katie, a middle school student, who spirals downward into depression and begins thinking of suicide. Her friend, Jamal, relates the story of Katie’s struggle with depression. When he finally recognizes the symptoms of depression, and seeks help for her, he jeopardizes the bonds of their friendship. Confused, and sometimes offended by her behavior as she becomes more and more depressed, he nevertheless stands by her, eventually saving her life when she is contemplating suicide.
I believe that the greatest thing about this particular film is that every student will be able to identify with some part of it. It may cause them to consider a friend, a family member, or even themselves. This curriculum has been proven to help kids better understand what depression is and how it affects absolutely everyone around them.
Implementing Red Flags in your community is an opportunity that can be life changing for many kids. This program will raise awareness by demonstrating that there is somewhere to go; there is someone to turn to; there are answers; there is help.
Check out a small taste of our film!
Kristen Robinson, CHESAssociate Director/Program Coordinator
Mental Health America of Summit County
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