Depression
in youth is the subject of an upcoming stage play by Doriane Miller, M.D.
“It
Shoulda Been Me” tells the story of a 15-year-old student who goes from high
academic achievement to failing grades in the matter of months following the
death of his best friend and in the wake of his family breaking up. The student
falls into depression and the play shows the importance of recognizing the
signs of depression in teens and ways of overcoming it.
“It
Shoulda Been Me” is a collaborative effort between eta Creative Arts Foundation
and the University of Chicago's Urban Health Initiative. It is recommended for
fifth through twelfth graders.
Inspiration
for the play grew out of Miller's community outreach work in which mental
health issues in youth were identified as the number one challenge. A physician at a Chicago community
health center in Chicago, Miller was struck by the number of people between 18
and 25 who reported having been affected by violence either personally through
gunshot wounds or knowing a family member or friend who had been shot.
“When I
asked for information about these experiences and how my young patients felt
about them, their responses made it seem like a normal rite of passage,” said
Dr. Miller. “However, many of these young people exhibited symptoms of anxiety
and depression, not unlike people exposed to war. Many of them also became involved in risky behaviors such as
unprotected sex, drug or alcohol abuse.”
The
play's cast includes Kona Burks, Ingrid Gaitor, Darren Jones and Osiris
Khepera, with Vaun Monroe directing.
Part of
eta's Showfolk Cultural Enrichment Series for Youth,
“It
Shoulda Been Me” opens Oct. 31 at eta Square, 7558 S. South Chicago Ave.
Copyright
2011 Chicago Defender
