Sara Miller
Sponsor: Tex Wasabi

Montana
Zach (Age 11)
Major Depression

Zachary loves to fish—any kind of fishing, in fact. This passion has been incorporated into his regular therapy for major depression. Now when Zach is faced with a stressful situation, he describes his feelings as needing “fishing time.” It’s a huge step in his treatment.

Zach wasn’t always able to separate himself from difficult positions. In 2006 Zach was dealing with some major stressors, which made his psychiatric symptoms more serious and even potentially dangerous. Zach was hospitalized in Shodair’s acute psychiatric care unit where he was diagnosed with three psychiatric conditions: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and major depression.

Zach spent four months at Shodair where he received intensive psychotherapy, medication, and individual, group and family therapies for his depression.

Like any chronic illness, Zach knows that depression may be a life-long battle. This brave young man is up for the challenge. Zach continues with outpatient therapy as well as medication management and is a smart, confident and creative fifth grader who is embracing life.