Kristina Rodriguez thought she was alone.

Kristina is a 2015 graduate from Midwood High School in Brooklyn, a WISE school since 2004. As a senior in high school, Kristina was battling depression, and was ashamed to share her struggle. She made excuses to avoid talking to others. But, encouraged by her WISE Mentor, Ms. Volcy, her school counselor and her father, Kristina chose to study depression as the topic for her WISE project.

“The subject of my project was depression generally, but developed into bullying of homosexuals and the general pressure on teens in society. I chose ‘Under the Scars’ as my WISE project title, because I’ve dealt with depression for a while now, and have so many physical and emotional scars as a result.”

In 2013, the National Institute of Mental Health reported that 10.7% of the U.S. population aged 12 to 17 had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. Kristina is determined to help others, and through her WISE project, she made sure that her classmates had access to resources — should they, too, struggle with depression.

“Of course, they can access these resources anonymously, because some feel that depression is a touchy subject and are not willing to discuss it openly. I felt that way. I was always ‘happy’ … I was the light of the school. But the people who smile the most are the ones that cry themselves to sleep.”

Kristina gives credit to her therapist, her WISE mentor and her WISE Coordinator, Ms. Gavenda, for the invaluable assistance they provided during her WISE experience. But most of all, she gives credit to her father.

“My dad has been my rock through it all. One of my favorite parts of the WISE process was being able to interview him and make him a part of the project. When I presented, it was a very emotional, amazing experience. I made some people cry, I moved some people. My dad got emotional. I did, too. So many people came up to me afterward.”

Kristina says that her WISE Project motivated her to want to do well, to become something, to stay on task and to look to the future.

“My grades went from 60’s and 70’s to 80’s, 90’s and 100! I am now in college, pursuing a degree in psychology.”

She has excellent advice for upcoming WISE students: “WISE is a really good way to get your word out… Choose something that you are passionate about – no matter how boring or crazy you may think it is. I was worried that my project would put others to sleep, but to my surprise…I learned that there are a lot of kids in school that suffer from depression, and often no one knows. I hope to become a psychotherapist so I can help them.”

Getting help:

Change Your Mind: About Mental Health – Learn what you can do to improve your mental health and deal with teen depression. (American Psychological Association)

Teen Moods – Online depression support community for teens.

Working Toward Wellness – Workbook for helping you cope with and recover from depression. (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Suicide prevention telephone hotline funded by the U.S. government. Provides free, 24-hour assistance. 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

National Hopeline Network – Toll-free U.S. telephone number offering 24-hour suicide crisis support. 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433).