Understanding Depression and Suicide

1. The information in this presentation was obtained from.: www.reslife.net/assets/docs/depression.ppt Understanding Depression and Suicide

2. 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

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

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

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

6. 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.

7. 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 lossor gain (a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month) http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/what-is-depression

8. 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”

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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!

14. Common Types of Depression • Major Depression • Dysthymia • Psychotic Depression

15. If you or someone you know has symptoms of depression… YOU Can Take Action!

16. Professional treatment is necessary for all these types of depression.

17. Treatment for Depression • Medication • Antidepressants can help ease the symptoms of depression and return a person to normal functioning.

18. 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

19. What kind of help can you get at PSA? • 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. Helping a depressed friend… • 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

26. 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

27. Help Hotline here in MN • http://crisis.org/ • 612-379-6363 • Handout

28. PSA support • Email: • xeevxwm.vang@psak12.org • ben.mathews@psak12.org • cha.her@psak12.org • choua.yang@psak12.org • degune.lee@psak12.org • jeanene.miller@psak12.org • desiree.coon@psak12.org

29. 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/