Ms Modra said.
"But none of us, her family, her school, her friends, doctors, recognised them.
"It was not until afterwards that we saw them in hindsight.
"Symptoms such as sadness, mood changes, tiredness, boredom, shaking, zoning out, they're all normal adolescent behaviours.
"But when these continued for days and then combined with confusion ... there was cause for alarm."
Nic Newling, 23, who battled bipolar disorder for several years before his condition was diagnosed, says there is light at the end of the tunnel for people with mental illness.
Looking healthy and well and sporting spiky blonde hair, the IT consultant spoke alongside Ms Dragun at the launch.
"It has been a very long road but, obviously, I've come out at the other side," he said.
"I can say now I'm actually very happy I was eventually diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and I was put on the right medication, and I was fine."
Navigating Teenage Depression is an initiative of the Black Dog Institute - a not-for-profit organisation offering specialist help on depression and bipolar disorder.
It is available at most bookstores or through the institute's website - www.blackdoginstitute.org .au.
* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263) or visit www.beyondblue.org.au. |
