Mental and Emotional Health

1. Mental and Emotional Health Continued….

2. Depression

3. Depression Words to know • Disorders – Disturbance in a normal function of a part of the body. • Depression – A very serious mood disorder in which people lose interest in life and can no longer find enjoyment in anything.

4. Depression • Misperceptions of Depression • “It’s all in their head” • They can easily “snap • out of it” • They can “get over it” • It means you are weak • Only adults get • depression • Affects a persons • Thoughts • Moods • Feelings • Behavior • Physical health

5. Depression • What causes it? • A medical disorder that has to be diagnosed • Chemical imbalance • Genetics • Stressful life event • No identifiable cause

6. Getting Help • Seek our • School Psychologist; Mrs. Root • SAY Counselor; Ms. Greene • Guidance counselors; Mr. Sullivan and Mrs. Amstutz • A parent or trusted adult

8. Anxiety Anxiety- A state of uneasiness, usually associated with a future of uncertainty. Anxiety Disorder- A disorder in which intense feelings of fear keeps a person from functioning normally. There are several types of anxiety disorders. • Panic- A feeling of sudden intense fear. • Phobia- an exaggerated fear of a specific situation

10. Suicide • The intentional taking of one’s own life • Second leading cause of death for 10-14 year olds (CDC, 2010)

11. High Risk for Suicide • Mood disorders; schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and certain personality disorders • Alcohol/substance use disorders • Hopelessness • History of trauma or abuse • Major physical illnesses • Previous suicide attempt • Family history of suicide • Job or financial loss • Loss of relationship • Easy access to lethal means • Local clusters of suicide • Lack of social support and sense of isolation • Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma • Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)

12. Warning Signs of Suicide • Sharing suicide plans openly • Dropping hints through words and actions • Changes in eating or sleeping habits • Lack of interest in school • Dramatic changes in the persons appearance • Giving away prized possessions • Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities • A sudden change in mood • Use of alcohol or other drugs

13. Ways of Providing Support • Talk to the person • Show an interest in the persons problems • Ask if they are planning to harm themselves • Encourage the person to tell or talk to a trusted adult • Never promise to keep suicide plans a secret

14. Self Mutalation

15. Self Injury/ Mutilation Definition: Intentional injury to one’s own body. Usually leaves marks or causes tissue damage. Examples: • Cutting • Burning/Branding • Excessive piercing/tattooing • Picking at skin/ reopening wounds • Hair pulling • Head banging, hitting, bone breaking

16. What leads to self injury? • Relieves intense feelings, pressure or anxiety • Manages pain • Asking for help in an indirect way (drawing attention) - trying to manipulate others to care

18. Warning Signs of Self-Injury • Wearing pants/long sleeves in warm weather • Possessing lighters, razors, sharp objects • Low self- esteem • Difficulty handling feelings • Relationship problems • Poor functioning at work, school, and home