One Chicago school district teams up with medical center to help prevent teen depression

Officials from the University Medical Center in Chicago recently announced that they will partner with school district 220 to raise awareness of teen mental illness, the Chicago Tribune reports.

This partnership comes after five students committed suicide in recent years. It will attempt to help parents, students and teachers cope with the deaths of others close to them.

Professionals have been hired to help the school treat students who suffer from bipolar disorder and depression. Moreover, school officials told the news source that they plan to incorporate guest speakers, staff training and help from other mental health awareness coalitions for the program.

Some school officials added that they want more to be done to remove the stigma of seeking help.

Programs for teens can help those who suffer from depression and suicidal ideation by offering group therapy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 4,500 people between the ages 10 and 24 lose their lives each year to suicide.