Understanding Depression, Anxiety and Suicide prevention

1. Understanding Depression, Anxietyand Suicide prevention

2. Experience • Background • Education • Current employment A little about me….

3. Recent surveys suggest, according to Mental Health America • 1 in 5 teens suffers from Clinical Depression • Each year almost 5,000 young people (ages 15-24) commit suicide • Rate has tripled since 1960 – 3rd leading cause of death in adolescents and 2nd leading cause of death among college age Why talk about depression?

4. Sadness is a normal reaction to life’s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. • Depression is different from normal sadness by: • Engulfing your day-to-day life, • Interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. • The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief. What is Depression?

5. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness • Loss of interest in daily activities • Appetite or weight changes • Sleep changes • Anger or irritability • Loss of energy • Self-loathing • Reckless behavior • Concentration problems • Unexplained aches and pains Common Signs and Symptoms

6. These may include: • General slowing down • Neglect of responsibilities and appearance • Poor memory • Inability to concentrate or think clearly • Suicidal thoughts, feelings, or behaviors • Difficulty making decisions • Negative attitude and outlook Changes in behavior and thinking

7. Some appear sad – most appear irritable • Poor performance in school • Withdrawal from friends and activities • Anger/rage • Overreaction to criticism • Suicidal thoughts • Poor self-esteem or guilt • Substance abuse or acting out to avoid feelings Depression in teens

8. Risk factors • Loneliness • Lack of social support • Recent stressful life experience • Family history • Early childhood trauma/abuse • Substance abuse • Health problems or chronic pain

9. Anxiety and depression are believed to stem from the same biological vulnerability • Often go hand in hand • Depression can make anxiety worse (and vice/versa) • Important to recognize both conditions Link between anxiety and depression

10. Some anxiety and worry is normal. • These normal amounts of anxiety can actually help you respond to threats and feel motivated to get things done. Anxiety

11. Emotional symptoms of anxiety • Feelings of apprehension or dread • Trouble concentrating • Feeling tense and jumpy • Anticipating the worst • Irritability • Restlessness • Watching for signs of danger • Feeling like your mind’s gone blank Symptoms of anxiety

12. Pounding heart • Sweating • Stomach upset or dizziness • Frequent urination or diarrhea • Shortness of breath • Tremors and twitches • Muscle tension • Headaches • Fatigue • Insomnia Physical symptoms of anxiety

13. Surge of overwhelming panic • Feeling of losing control or going crazy • Heart palpitations or chest pain • Feeling like you’re going to pass out • Trouble breathing or choking sensation • Hyperventilation • Hot flashes or chills • Trembling or shaking • Nausea or stomach cramps • Feeling detached or unreal What is an Anxiety attack?

14. Playing the ‘what if’ game – negative self talk which sets us up for failure • Poor self esteem – thinking not worthy • Too much pressure to be perfect • Focusing too much on self vs. others • Eating poorly – too much caffeine • Not exercising • Full exposure to phobias • Holding in feelings What causes an anxiety attack?

15. Do you make time each day for yourself? • Are you getting the emotional support that you need? • Are you taking care of your body? • Are you overloaded with responsibility? • Do you ask for help when you need it? • Do you know how to bring your life into balance? Questions to ask yourself?

16. Professional treatment is recommended for depression and anxiety.

17. Medication • Antidepressants can help ease the symptoms of depression and return a person to normal functioning. Antidepressants are not habit forming. Treatment

18. This can help many depressed people understand themselves and cope with their problems. • For example: • Interpersonal therapy works to change relationships that effect depression • Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people change negative thinking and behavior patterns Therapy/Counseling

19. Challenge negative thoughts • Write down your worries • Create an anxiety worry period • Accept uncertainty • Take care of yourself • Practice relaxation techniques • Adopt healthy eating habits • Exercise regularly • Get enough sleep Strategies…

20. Don’t assume things are hopeless or will never change • 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 blame yourself for others’ feelings or behavior • Don’t use drugs or alcohol to “self-medicate” Things to Avoid

21. Burns Depression checklist • What do the results mean for you? What about you?

22. Be empathetic and understanding • Don’t try to “cheer up” a depressed person by minimizing their concerns • Avoid critical or shaming statements • Empathize with feelings of sadness, grief, anger and frustration, but… • Challenge expressions of hopelessness Intervening with a depressed friend

23. Don’t argue about how bad things are • 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

24. FALSE – People who talk about suicide won’t really do it • FALSE – People who talk about or attempt suicide want to die • FALSE – Anyone who tries to kill him/herself must be crazy • FALSE – If a person is determined to kill him/herself, nothing is going to stop them • FALSE – Talking about suicide may give someone the idea Common misconceptions about Suicide

25. Talking, writing, or joking about suicide or death • Giving away prized possessions • Making final arrangements • Depressive symptoms • Sudden, unexplained recovery from profound depression • Marked feelings of helplessness or hopelessness Suicide warning signs

26. Risk-taking behavior • Self-mutilating behavior (sometimes) • A suicide plan • Significant change in behavior • Previous suicide attempts • Significant loss • Chemical (drug or alcohol) abuse

27. “This will make you stronger” • “Time heals all wounds” • “ I know how you feel” • “It could be worse” • “It will work itself out” What NOT to say…

28. Don’t minimize the person’s feelings or situation • Don’t leave the person alone if they have a plan and/or lethal means • Don’t use reverse psychology with suicidal people • Don’t try to be a hero – GET HELP! • Don’t promise to keep the secret – PROMISE HELP! • Don’t argue about the “right to suicide” Suicide Intervention Dont’s

29. LISTEN • Show empathy and concern • Offer to call or talk to a parent, counselor, or other trusted adult with them • Encourage them to get ongoing help for their depression • If they are immediately at-risk, call a suicide hotline or 911 How to help

30. “I believe each human being has the potential to change, to transform one’s own attitude, no matter how difficult the situation.” Dalai Lama

31. If you want to reference any information in this presentation.. Go to: www.rightsolutioncounseling.com Materials page Questions