Understanding Depression and Suicide The information in this presentation was obtained from.:

Understanding Depression and

Suicide

The information in this presentation was obtained from.: www.reslife.net/assets/docs/depression.ppt

WARNING!!!!!

Serious and Sensitive Topic Many symptoms listed may apply to

you, but that does not mean you are diagnosed as depressed.

Support at PSA: Any Teacher, Mr. Vang, Administration.

http://www.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewpage&page_id=050fea9f-b064-4092-b1135c3a70de1fda

Statistics

Over 60 percent of all people who die by suicide suffer from major depression.

Depression affects nearly 10 percent of Americans ages 18 and over in a given year, or more than 24 million people.

About 15 percent of the population will suffer from clinical depression at some time during their lifetime. 30% of all clinically depressed patients attempt suicide; half of them ultimately die by suicide.

Depression is treatable. Between 80 percent and 90 percent of people with depression respond positively to treatment, and almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms. But first, depression has to be recognized.


Statistics


Statistics


Over 36,000 people in the United States die by suicide every year. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for adults between the

ages of 18 and 65 years in the United States. Currently, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United

States. A person dies by suicide about every 15 minutes in the United

States. Every day, approximately 101 Americans take their own life. 90% of all people who die by suicide have a diagnosable

psychiatric disorder at the time of their death. There are 4 male suicides for every female suicide, but 3 times as

many females as males attempt suicide.

What is depression?

Depression- is a normal mental state we all feel but when it interferes with your daily life functioning and causes pain for both you and those around you, it’s considered by the DSM-IV a clinical depression.

What is depression?According to the DSM-IV, a manual used to diagnose mental

disorders, depression occurs when you have at least 5 of the following 9 symptoms at the same time:

a depressed mood during most of the day, particularly in the morning fatigue or loss of energy almost every day feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day impaired concentration, indecisiveness insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every day markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities nearly

every day recurring thoughts of death or suicide (not just fearing death) a sense of restlessness significant weight loss or gain (a change of more than 5% of body

weight in a month)

http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/what-is-depression

Signs of Depression:

Some slang words or phrases people use to describe their feelings in regards to depression. “I’m too worried about…..” “I’m feeling very-very sad and I don’t know why.” “I don’t think anyone really gives a *&^% about me” “Death seems a lot easier than living” “I don’t care anymore, I really don’t”

Common changes in student behaviors and attitudes relationship issues not wanting to wake up in the morning staying up late at night delusions easily crying can’t focus on task feeling very tired drug and alcohol abuse Suicidal thoughts and ideas

Common changes in student behaviors and attitudes skip school low self-esteem bad grades anger outbursts anger problems short temperament

What causes Depression?

Family History

Having a family member who has depression may increase a person’s risk

Imbalances of certain chemicals in the brain may lead to depression

Major Life Changes

Positive or negative events can trigger depression.

Examples include the death of a loved one or a promotion.

Major Illnesses such as a heart attack, stroke or cancer may trigger depression.

Certain medications used alone or in combination can cause side effects much like the symptoms of depression.

Use of Alcohol or other Drugs can lead to or worsen depression.

Depression can also occur for no apparent reason!

Common Types of Depression

Major DepressionDysthymiaPsychotic Depression

If you or someone you know has symptoms of depression…

YOU Can Take Action!

Professional treatment is necessary for all these types

of depression.

Treatment for Depression

Medication Antidepressants can help ease the

symptoms of depression and return a person to normal functioning.

Psychotherapy This can help many depressed people

understand themselves and cope with their problems. For example: Interpersonal therapy works to change

relationships that affect depression Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people

change negative thinking and behavior patterns

Get a referral from the school to see a doctor for a complete check up.

Go to the counseling center and talk to the counselor. Get support to help you talk with a friend, family

member or someone from the community.

What kind of help can you get at PSA?

Depression is treatable. Communication is crucial, therefore talk to

your counselors from school, and express your concern and worries or stresses. Your counselor or social worker from school may do an initial evaluation to see if you need further additional services and if you do, they will refer you to for a psychological evaluation or refer you to a mental health specialist.

Parents

Parents may not fully understand you. Build a good relationship with your parents.

Some adults may not fully understand you.

Find a trusted adult and talk to that person.

Things to do by yourself: Do not use of alcohol or drugs Exercise or engage in some form of

physical activity Eat a proper, well-balanced diet Don’t expect too much of yourself Take a break Avoid extra stress and big changes

Obtain an adequate amount of sleep Seek emotional support from family and

friends Focus on positive aspects of your life Pace yourself, modify your schedule,

and set realistic goals

Things to Avoid

Don’t make long-term commitments or important decisions unless necessary

Don’t assume things are hopeless Don’t engage in “emotional reasoning” (i.e.:

because I feel awful, my life is terrible) Don’t assume responsibility for events which

are outside of your control

Don’t argue about how bad things are Validate the feelings! Don’t insist that

depression or sadness are the wrong feelings to be experiencing

Don’t become angry even though your efforts may be resisted or rejected

Empathize with feelings of sadness, grief, anger and frustration

Helping a depressed friend…

Helping a depressed friend…

Advocate for their recovery from depression

Emphasize that depression is treatable Seek consultation Encourage them to seek help, go with

them to the counseling center Be supportive of counselor or doctor

suggestions

Help Hotline here in MN

http://crisis.org/ 612-379-6363 Handout

PSA support

Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

References

http://www.reslife.net/ http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/what-is-depression http://www.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewpage&page_id=050fea9f-

b064-4092-b1135c3a70de1fda http://crisis.org/

Documents

Understanding Depression and Suicide The information in this presentation was obtained from.: