Depression & SuicideObjectives How to Save A LifeSWBAT

Explain why it is important to identify and treat clinical depression.

Explain why individuals might deliberately injure themselves

Describe one major risk factor for suicide.

While listening to the song, consider the following & right in your journal: Questions—When you

read/listen to these song lyrics, what questions do you have?

Passages—Which passages triggered those questions?

Connections—Write down any connections you can think of to this song (i.e. news story, another song, book, personal experience, movie)

DepressionAn illness when the

feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair persist and interfere with an individual’s ability to function

Causes of DepressionGenetic (Family

history)Biochemical

(hormone inbalance)Environmental

(prolonged stressful situation)

Situational (victim/witness crime major incident)

Recognizing DepressionRisk Factors Signs of DepressionParent of biological

relative with a mood disorder

Major life change or prolonged stressful situation

Witness/Victim of a violent crime

Previous bout of depression

Sense of hopelessnessIllness/Medical conditon

Change in appetite or weight

Change in sleep patternsChange in activity levelLost of interest in hobbiesLoss of energyHopelessness/boredomUnexplained crying/easily

annoyedRepeated thoughts of

death & suicide

Self-InjuryCutting-use of sharp

object to intentionally cut or scratch one’s body deep enough to bleed

Burning skin to leave scars

AN UNHEALTHY WAY TO COPE WITH EMOTIONS

Suicide PreventionSuicide: The

intentional killing of oneself3rd leading cause of

death among 15-24Cluster Suicides:

series of suicides that occur within a short period of time in the same peer group or community

Risk FactorsPrevious attempt or

family historyMental disorder AND

substance abuse disorder

Feelings of hopelessness or isolation

Lack of access to mental health treatment

Being influenced by family, peers, media

Getting HelpProtective Factors ResourcesTreat mental disordersTreat substance abuse

disordersStay connected with

community, family, friends

Have personal beliefs that discourage suicide.

School NurseSocial WorkerSchool PsychologistReligious Figure (Pastor)Crisis CentersSuicide Prevention

hotlines

How to Help a FriendDO….

Trust your feelings Take threats seriously Say how concerned you are Listen carefully Talk calmly Involve a trusted friend Stay until help arrives

DON’T…. Dare the person to do it Judge the person Analyze the person’s

motives Argue or offer reasons not

to attempt suicide Leave the person alone

Acknowledge that your friend has a problem and that the symptoms are serious

Care. Let them know that you care about them and that you want to help them.

Tell a trusted adult about your concerns. Just telling the right person can make all the difference

Key QuestionYour friend Bryan has shown some signs of clinical depression for a month. You are very worried about Bryan, but he refuses to talk to you about his feelings.

What could you do to help Bryan?