DEPRESSION & SUICIDE

Depression – What is it?

• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness & despair that persist and interfere with academics, work performance or interpersonal relationships

Adolescent Depression:The Signs

• Irritability

• Overreaction to criticism

• Problems with authority

• Persistent feelings of sadness

• A drop in school performance

• Indecision, lack of concentration

• Poor self-esteem

• Frequent physical complaints

Suicidal Behaviors

• Thoughts• Attempts• Death

Facts and Myths about Suicide

• If my friend talked about killing herself, even jokingly, she could really mean it and might commit suicideANSWER: TRUE

• Once a teen attempts suicide, he/she has a higher risk for attempting again. ANSWER: TRUE

• Teens who use drugs or alcohol are not at a greater risk for committing suicide.ANSWER: FALSE

Facts and Myths about Suicide

• If you ask a troubled friend if h/she is suicidal, you will be planting the idea in his/her head.ANSWER: FALSE

• Reckless driving or doing dangerous things that could lead to death might be a sign that a teen is having thoughts of suicide or unclear whether they want to live.ANSWER: TRUE

Facts and Myths about Suicide

• Suicide is the third most common cause of death among adolescents and young adults in the USANSWER: TRUE

• There are no warning signs before a suicide takes place.ANSWER: FALSE

• Once a teen is suicidal, he/she is suicidal foreverANSWER: FALSE

The Point Is:

• Youth suicide is a major problem in Washington State

• Talking about suicide may help to save a life

Causes of Suicidal Behavior

Relationships

Individual• Depression, hopelessness anxiety• drugs and/or alcohol use

Home

School

• Family conflicts/fights• Death/divorce• Abuse• Rejection

• Failing grades• Suspension• School pressures

• Conflict and/or break-ups• Pregnancy • Bullying• Rejection

The Point Is:

• LOSS is a common theme.

• There are usually many causes.

Warning Signs

• Suicide-Risk Behaviors Past attempts Talking about suicide, making plans Preoccupation with death

• Depression Moody, down Feeling hopeless, withdrawing

• Drug Use

• Things that Risk Easy access to guns Impulsiveness No one to talk to

What is NOT Helpful

• Ignoring or dismissing the issue “Oh, let’s talk about something else.” “You’ll meet another girl and forget this one;

you’re a great guy.”

• Acting shocked or embarrassed “You aren’t REALLY thinking of suicide, are you?”

• Challenging or debating “So go ahead; see if things really DO get better.” “Don’t you know that it is wrong to kill yourself?”

• Giving harmful advice “Let’s go get drunk and forget about all our problems.”

What IS Helpful

• Show You Care--Listen carefully“I’m concerned about you . . . about how you feel.”

• Ask the Question--Be direct but caring & non-confrontational“Are you thinking about suicide?”

• Get Help--Do not leave him/her alone“You’re not alone. Let me help you.”

Resources for Help

• School counselor• Crisis telephone hot-lines:

1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK• Physicians/health care providers• Mental health counselor• Parents• Clergy • Coaches, teachers, youth leaders