Tyrone Daily Herald from Tyrone, Pennsylvania • Page 3

THE DAILY HERALD, Tyrone, PA, Monday, April 5, 1999 Page 3 COMMUNITY NEWS Tackling A Teen's Demons, And 'Surviving Depression By SHEILA CARMODY York Daily Record Kurt Cobain had it all. The 27-year-old singer headed up the successful grunge band Nirvana. He lived with his wife and daughter in a beautiful home in Seattle. He had everything to live for, it seemed. So, why did he kill himself? A lot of people have asked that question, which might explain why conspiracy theories arose almost immediately following his death in 1994.

Fans found it hard to believe Cobain would take his own life, probably because it's impossible to imagine someone so successful suffering so intensely. Fact is, Cobain suffered from depression, not unlike many of his teen-age fans, said Bev Cobain, Kurt's cousin and author of "When Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens." His was a severe form of the illness, called manic depression or bipolar disorder. Clinical depression, often found to be genetic, runs in theCo- bain family. Bev is a psychiatric nurse who controls her own depression with medication. Two uncles committed suicide when Kurt and Bev were children.

After Kurt's death, Bev Cobain found herself talking more and more about depression with teen- Letter To The Editor The Daily Herald Faith For Dark Days Editor's note: This letter was inadvertently omitted from Friday's edition of The Daily Herald. This is Good Friday. Followers of Christ everywhere are thinking of the events of this last day of His earthly life. It is said that at 3:00 in I the afternon Jesus cried out, "My God, My God, Why has thou for- I saken me?" These are difficult words to explain. God was not putting on a show.

This was a real experience of suf- I fering. Jesus' flesh has been nailed to a cross and the pain was real to him as it would be to us if spikes were driven into our hands and The thing about it all that should sober us is that He did i cause of His deep love for us. Here in Jesus we find the su- preme example of faith in dark days. In the face of tragedy He trusted in God. I Donald Hankey of World War I I fame talked much about betting your life there is a God.

Well he did and won. We need that kind of I faith today. Our democratic way of life seems to have its back to the wall and is fighting for its next ex' istence. The future is dark, and we imust have faith. Once Helen Keller was asked the secret of her victorious life.

She replied "I am because I have faith in IGod." And so do I. May God Bless All. James C. Bonsell agers. She wrote "When Nothing Matters Anymore," hoping to help teen-agers cope with depression or, at least, open the topic to discussion.

"I've talked to many, many kids who would rather die than talk about what's wrong," Bev Cobain said. They don't want to be different. They also no longer believe anyone cares. They don't even think they have the right to breathe the same air as anyone else. Every teen-ager experiences feelings of depression from time to time.

Physical and hormonal changes in teen-agers affect brain chemistry and induce mood swings. Insecurities arise and fester without the benefit of a fully developed identity. The result is teen-agers who are moody and cranky. That's normal, said Kean Quinton, a York Health System Behavioral Health Services therapist who works within York City schools. Growth spurts alone make kids sensi live abou the way they look.

The normal, natural mood swings associated with being a teen-ager might be one reason why for so long no one looked for clinical depression in teen-agers, said Dr. Earl W. Bernstine, of York Health System's Behavioral Health Services. Fact is, teen depression may be more pervasive than previously thought. The U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services is in the midst of a nationwide study to determine with greater accuracy the prevalence of mental disorders among children and adolescents. They suspect depression affects one in eight teen-agers, maybe more. Depression can include clinical depression, bipolar disorder and dysthymia, a low-grade form of depression. Each year, almost young people, ages 15 to 24, kill themselves. Cleo, 14, of York tried twice to kill herself by swallowing a bottle of pills.

The ninth-grader, who asked that her last name not be used, has always been ridiculed for her weight. "I couldn't take the pressure anymore," she said. Clco sought help from a school counselor and is being treated with medication and therapy. Crisis Intervention is a good phone number for teen-agers to know, Bernstine said. Teen-agers don't like to ask for help, but "there are a lot of people out there to help them." Most teen-agers, and many adults, experience some of the symptoms of major depression.

Major depression is diagnosed when symptoms persist beyond two weeks, Bernstine said. Symptoms include: Persistent sadness. An inability to enjoy favorite activities. Increased activity or irritability. Frequent complaints of physical illness.

Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school. Persistent boredom. Low energy. Poor concentration. A major change in eating or sleeping patterns.

Usually, loss pushes kids over the edge. And teen-agers experience plenty of loss. They lose parents, or family, through divorce. They lose pets. Friends move away.

They move away from friends. "The one thing that will cause overdoses and bring them into the hospital is a relationship has broken up," Bev Cobain said. 'That is the biggest reason." Methods For Coping With Depression Following the suicide death of her cousin Kurt Cobain, lead singer of the band Nirvana, psychiatric nurse Bev Cobain wrote "When Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens." The book includes methods for coping with the blues. They also may help teens avoid developing major depression. GET SOME EXERCISE In-line skate or ice skate.

Swim laps or just move around in the pool. Walk at a moderate rate or jog. Ski. Canoe. Do yoga.

Join a sports team. Take a bike ride. TAKE A BREAK Take a nap. Soak in the bathtub or a hot tub. Read for pleasure (not a homework assignment).

Call a friend. Breathe deeply and slowly. Pet your cat or dog. HAVE SOME FUN Attend a sporting event at school or in your community. Have a party ana invite close friends and people you'd like to know better.

Tyrone Recycling Schedule APRIL Week Week Week Week Tues. 6 13 20 27 Wed. 7 14 21 28 Thurs. 8 15 22 Aluminum Cans Clear Glass Jars Glass 29 Steel Have Trash and Recycling at Curbside by 6 a.m. SOUTH HILLS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY 18 Programs to choose from including our two new high- tech programs: Engineering Technology Electronics Technology.

Job placement rate for our 2-year degree graduates. State-of-the-art facilities. Small classes are our trademark. Visit us April 10th, meet our faculty take a look around! 480 Waupelani Drive, State College SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 10AM-2PM Water Park Work Work continued last week on the "Tipton Rapids" project at Bland's Park. Park officials hope to have the expanded waterpark open by June.

(Photo by Virgie Werner.) Fort Roberdeau Holds Interpreter Sessions Fort Roberdeau Historic Site will present a series of four workshops during April for its volunteer interpreters. The general public is invited to attend, especially those who are interested in becoming a fort volunteer or who volunteer at other historic sites. On Tuesday, April 6, storyteller Jan Kinney will share some helpful tips on how to be a more effective guide, while making it easier on yourself by conserving your voice and energy. On Wednesday April 14, archeologist Paula Zitzler will pre- sent her research findings on the 1778-80 lead mining operation at the original Fort Roberdeau, plus additional information taken from Daniel Roberdeau's letters written during the Revolution. On Wednesday, April 2 1, Lisa Morgan will present a summary of the early years of the Revolution, and connect state and national events with their effects on the western frontier in the area along the foot of the Allegheny Front.

On Wednesday, April 28, Larry Zilch will focus on the Ann Landers topic of agriculture on the 1778 frontier, and will explain the life of the early families who settled the wilderness and created farms along the branches of the Juniata. Also, costumes will be distributed and there will be an opportunity to tour the fort's renovated mid-18th century farmhouse. Weather permitting, a guided trailwalk will available in the afternoon. All sessions begin at 9:30 and lunch is provided for a small cost. Pre-registration by calling the fort, 946-0048, is suggested.

Ann Reprints Warning Signs For Battering Dear Ann Landers: A few years ago, you printed warning signals to determine if a mate is a batteret I want to say thank you. You saved my sanity, possibly my life, and gave me the strength to leave my abusive husband and regain my self-esteem. Please print those warning signals again. With luck, they may save someone else. GRATEFUL IN FORT WAYNE, IND.

DEAR GRATEFUL: Obviously, that column made a strong impression on you. Here it is again. Dear Ann Landers: Please print this list of warning signals to help women determine if a mate or date is a potential (or actual) batterec Be careful if your mate displays any of the following signs: 1. Jealousy of your time with coworkers, friends and family. 2.

Controlling bchavioc (Controls your comings and goings and your money and insists on "helping" you make personal decisions.) 3. Isolation. (Cuts you off from supportive resources such as telephone pals and colleagues at work.) 4. Blames others for his problems. (Unemployment, family quarrels everything is "your 5.

Hypersensitivity. (Easily upset by annoyances that are a part of daily life, such as being asked to work overtime, criticism of any kind, being asked to help with chores or child care.) 6. Cruelty to animals or children. (Insensitive to their pain and suffering, may tease hurt children and pets.) 7. "Playful" use of force in sex.

(May throw you down and hold you during sex. May start having sex with you when you are sleeping or demand sex when you are ill or tired.) 8. Verbal abuse. (Says cruel and hurtful things, degrades and humiliates you, wakes you up lo verbally abuse you or doesn't let you go to sleep.) 9. Dr.

Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality. (Sudden mood swings and unpredictable behavior one minute loving, the next minute angry and punitive.) 10. Past history of battering. (Has hit others but has a list of excuses for having been "pushed over the 11.

Threats of violence. (Says," I'll slap you," "I'll kill you," or "I'll break your HOME DELIVERY SERVICE PROBLEMS? Call 684-4000 THE DAILY HERALD Free Estimates Financing 12. Breaking or striking objects. (Breaks your possessions, throws objects near or at you or your children.) 13. Uses force during an aigument.

(Holds you down or against a wall, pushes, shoves, slaps or kicks you. This behavior can easily escalate to choking, stabbing or shooting.) Ann, please tell your readers they don't have to accept violent behavior from anyone mates, dates, parents or friends. Because millions of American women will be battered at some time in their lives, they need to know how to read the warning signs. Any woman who sees herself in the column today should call the nearest women's crisis line and tell someone what is happening. She will be provided with support and safety options.

There are several ways to break uie cycle of violence, and identifying the warning signs is the first step. -PORTLAND, ORE. DEAR OREGON: Some women do not realize they are being abused until it is pointed out to them. They have been made to believe abusive treatment is what they deserve. I hope women who see themselves in this column will look up the number of the nearest women's shelter and call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE 1-800-787-3224.

It could save their lives. An alcohol problem? How can you help yourself or someone you love? "Alcoholism: How to It, How to Deal Wth It, How to Conquer It" will give you the answers. Send a self-addressed, long, business-size envelope and a check or money order for $3.75 (this includes postage and handling) to: Alcohol, do Ann Landers, P.O. Box. 11562.

Chicago. 111. 60611-0562. (In Canada, send $455.) To find out more about Ann Landers and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com. ANN Creators Syndicate The Daily Herald Special Hates CARD OF THANKS (2x2) I4.80 CARD Oi THANKS (2x3) 22.20 HAPPY BIRTHDAYS (2x2) HAPPY BIRTHDAYS (2x3) 22.20 $OCIAL BIRTHDAYS (PAVABII: IN AUYANO:) All above should be in 3 days prior to dale of publication.

Social birthdays please allow a week in advance. 1018 Pennsylvania Tyrone 684-4000 M5.00 FH: FOK RHIKM-U C'IIHKS The Daily Herald 1018 Pennsylvania Ave. Tyrone, PA 16686 "Continuing Our Longstanding Tradition Of Serving Ihe frrea 's Phone (814) 684-4000 Fas (814) 684-4238 Serving Residents Of Tyrone, Antis Township, Snyder Township, Bellwooti And Warriors Mark.