Erika's Lighthouse

After the loss of a fourteen year old in 2004, a group of thoughtful and committed community members were in search of an answer to the question: How can we prevent suicide from happening to yet another child? The answer: depression education. Erika's Lighthouse is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating and raising awareness about adolescent depression, encouraging good mental health, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Depression is a major risk factor for teen suicide. We provide accessible, flexible, and effective depression and mental health education programming to middle school and high school communities. It is our strong belief that the failure to recognize the symptoms of depression and the stigma associated with mental disorders prevent teens from getting the help they deserve. Depression education creates a safe environment for teens to talk about mental health and reduce stigma. We provide the guidance, materials and support you will need to implement depression and mental health education programs that respect your school culture and are authentic to your students’ experiences. Erika’s Lighthouse seeks to provide evidence-informed, hopeful and teen centered depression education for middle school and high school communities. Our programs and resources are available for free or by donation and are guided by the message that depression is common and can be serious, but it is treatable. You are not alone, there is hope and help.