MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL DISORDERS

-Illnesses that affect a person’s thoughts, feelings and behavior.

Possible Causes-Diseases, drug/alcohol use

or accidental brain injuries are a few cause of mental and emotional disorders.

EXAMPLES OF MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL DISORDERS

-Anxiety Disorder

Panic Disorder

Phobias

OCD-

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

MOOD DISORDERS

Depression

Bi Polar

SUICID

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WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE-Talking about suicide-Wanting to be left Alone-Saying final goodbye to loved

ones and friends.-Giving away possessions-Interest in death or violence-Engaging in risky behaviors

1. READ THE FOLLOWING SCENARIO. 2. WRITE DOWN TWO WARNING SIGNS YOU SEE IN THE SCENARIO. 3. WRITE DOWN TWO THINGS YOU WOULD HAVE DONE TO TRY TO HELP PAUL PREVENT THIS TRAGEDY.

Paul, a 15-year-old student, shot himself two days ago. Everyone is stunned. No one can believe it. One of his friends said, "Sure, he had been upset over his girlfriend breaking up with him after he lost the race to be class president last month. Another friend quoted Paul as saying, "Life is awful. Nobody really cares about me." But his friends thought he would just get over it. And he did seem to be in a better mood the day before he killed himself. He had even brought Brian his favorite ball cap - as if he was trying to make up for being so moody and withdrawn for the past several weeks. His friends, as well as all the students in the school, are trying to understand what happened and what they could have done to prevent it. They decide they need to learn more about suicide.

CONCEPTS

-Many young people who commit suicide have expressed their intent prior to the actual act.

-Threats of suicide should always be taken seriously.

-Students should immediately tell a trusted adult if they suspect a friend is suicidal.

-It is not safe to keep secrets about suicide threats.

QPRQPR can be related to CPR - it is another life-

saving measure. QPR stands for three things students can do if they suspect that someone is thinking about committing suicide.

Question - Ask if the person is thinking about suicide. This awareness in itself can have a calming effect.

Persuade - Talk with the person about the problem, the permanency of death or anything that will distract him or her from thoughts of suicide.

Refer or report - Tell a trusted adult of your suspicion immediately - even if the person thinking about suicide has asked you to keep it a secret. It is not safe to keep secrets about suicide. Never ignore a suicide threat.

HOMEWORK FOR DISCUSSION TOMORROW IN CLASS

1. How are mental and emotional orders treated?

2. Where do you find help?

3. When do you get help?

4. What trusted adult could you talk to about this if you or someone you knew was experiencing a problem?