New York Association of School Psychologists

& New York Office of

Mental Health

PresentPresent

““Why do I Feel Sad all the Time?”Why do I Feel Sad all the Time?”

A Workshop for Adults looking for A Workshop for Adults looking for informationinformation

Beginning Information In the year 2000 suicide was the 11In the year 2000 suicide was the 11thth

leading cause of death in the United leading cause of death in the United States.States.

The total number of suicides was 29,350.The total number of suicides was 29,350. For every suicide death, there may be For every suicide death, there may be

from 8 to 25 attempts.from 8 to 25 attempts. More than 90% of the people who killed More than 90% of the people who killed

themselves had depression or a mental or themselves had depression or a mental or substance abuse disordersubstance abuse disorder

Differences in adult groups

There are differences in the rate of suicide as well as frequency of attempts between men and women.

Older Adults are disproportionately likely to die by suicide.

Life events and/or patterns effect each of the groups in slightly different ways.

How do we begin to help our family and friends?

Today we will review information and resources to allow you to help your family, friends, or even yourself if you are concerned about depressive or suicidal behavior or feelings.

Groups we need to understand

Although there are commonalities among people in crisis, there are some important differences about the experience, risk factors and mental disorders that effect three groups of people: Women Men Older Adults

Can you hear the feelings?My words will give me away.

I sound… Sad Empty Hopeless Pessimistic Helpless

Do you really see me? I have no energy, I feel “slowed down” I am restless, irritable I cry more than usual I gain weight. I lose weight. I may drink and abuse drugs.

You never were like this ….

I am changing…

You are the one who can say, this is not the person I know.

You know my personality, my friends, my habits, my look, my strengths, my weaknesses, my good days, my bad days.

Why are all the days bad now??

I know I don’t seem to be myself

I suddenly change my ways I can’t make decisions, concentrate or

remember things I have lost interest or pleasure in activities,

including sex I sleep all the time I have physical problems like headaches,

digestive problems and chronic pain that don’t respond to treatment

Risk Factors for Suicide Prior suicide attempt Family history of mental disorder or

substance abuse Family history of suicide Family violence including physical or

sexual abuse Firearms in the home Incarceration Exposure to the suicidal behavior of

others: family, peers, media coverage

What are the differences between the groups we

mentioned? Suicide was the 8th leading cause of death

for men in 2000. Suicide is the 19th leading cause of death

for women in 2000. Suicide by firearm is the most common

method for men and women, accounting for 57% of all suicides in 2000.

Other Mental disorders linked to Suicide

Young women – Borderline personality disorder

Young men – Conduct disorder and alcohol and substance abuse

Adult men – Antisocial behavior and alcohol and substance abuse.

Older Adults

Of nearly 35 million Americans 65 and older, it is estimated that 2 million have a depressive illness.

Another 5 million may have depressive symptoms that fall short of a meeting full criteria for a disorder.

Depression often co-occurs with serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease

Older Adults Depression needs to be treated when it

co-occurs with other illnesses. Untreated depression can delay recovery

or worsen the outcome of these illnesses. Health care professionals and patients can

sometimes conclude that depression is the normal consequence to the illness.

Life Patterns in Women

Adolescence – By age 15 girls are twice as likely to have had a major depressive episode as boys.

Adult relationships and work – Some have theorized that a higher rate of depression in women is effected by the multiple roles they have in society today.

Life Patterns in Women

Reproductive events/cycles – the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, the post-pregnancy period, infertility, menopause, and the decision not to have children can bring fluctuations in mood that include depression.

Women who were molested as children are more likely to have depression.

Life Patterns in Women

Later Adulthood – More women suffer from depression at this age. Being unmarried, including widowhood is a risk factor for depression.

Remember, though, that depression is a treatable illness.

Life Patterns in Men

Young men- In 2000 suicide was the 3rd leading cause of death among males age 10 to 24.

Adult years – Men are often more likely to use other behaviors or words to describe depression. Men often have difficulty asking for help! Men are less likely to seek treatment

Life Patterns in Men

Elderly men often cope with the stress of redefinition. When they retire, they no longer have a job with which to identify.

Health care professionals can easily miss depressive symptoms, especially in men who are silent or who use different words to describe depression.

Treatment for Depression Good news! Depression is treatable in all

adult life phases. There are a number of medications which

can be part of treatment. A number of different styles of psychotherapy

are also available. Certain styles may match the needs of one individual over another.

“And pretty soon you start having good thoughts about yourself and that you’re not worthless

and you kind of turn your head over your shoulder and look back at that, that rutted,

muddy, dirt road that you just traveled and now you’re on some smooth asphalt and go, ‘Wow, what a trip. Still got a ways to go, but I wouldn’t

want to go down that road again.’ ”

Patrick McCathern, First Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, retired

Helping family

and friends

Helping and Healing

It takes courage to ask for help, but help can

make all the difference.