Breaking The Barriers of Depression

Most people would agree, growing up as a teenager can be difficult. But for 17-year-old Channell Jordan-Grier, the journey is more difficult because of a painful diagnosis.

WFDD's Radio 101 is an education program that inspires high school youth to creatively engage with their community using the power of media guided by journalistic integrity and critical thinking. Radio 101 is produced by 88.5 WFDD in partnership with James Dudley High School in Greensboro. Funding is from the United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro.

This is the second time Channell Jordan-Grier has participated in WFDD's Radio 101 program. This time her essay deals with an issue most American families eagerly avoid.

According to a 2009 report by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, approximately 8% of American teenagers have a major depressive episode in any given year. Twenty percent experience depression by the age 18.

Channell has been struggling with this condition since she was 14. She's tried therapy and anti-depressants but her mother ended these treatments when her daughter got few positive results. The Greensboro teen is now 17. In her WFDD Radio 101 essay, Channell explores what she believes are barriers to her recovery.