Identifying Signs of Teen Depression & Suicide

1. 8th GradeMEH 3.1 & 3.2

2. Objective 3.1 • Recognize signs and symptoms of hurting self or others.

3. 2011 NC Youth Risk Behavior Survey • Suicide is the third leading cause of death for teens • Of students in grades 6 -8: • 24% of students who felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more in a row that they stopped doing some usual activities during the past 12 months. • 20.8 % seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year • 13.1 % made a plan about how they would attempt suicide during the past 12 months • 9.5 % reported attempting suicide • Same risk and protective factors for suicide and other problem behaviors such as drugs, violence, risky sexual behavior

4. Depression • Depression is more than the “blues” or the “blahs.” It is more than the normal everyday ups and downs. • Clinical depression is a medical condition. It is when feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair persist and interfere with a person’s ability to function. • Many adults and teenagers do not recognize the symptoms of depression in themselves or others.

5. Depression • Depression affects people of all ages. • It will affect more than 19 million people every year. • Some people experience only one episode of depression in their entire life, but others may have several episodes of depression. • Depression can begin suddenly for no apparent reason, while others can be associated with a life situation.

6. Warning Signs of Suicide • Insomnia • Change in eating patterns, either overeating or not eating • Daytime sleepiness • Aggressive or destructive behavior • Risk-taking behavior • Difficulty concentrating • Loss of interest in activities one used to enjoy • Decline in school performance, skipping class, dropping out of activities • Withdrawal from relationships with friends and family

7. Warning Signs of Suicide • Statements such as “I wish I were dead” or “No one cares” • Planning a suicide attempt or a previous attempt • Giving away prized possessions • A sudden lift in spirits because he or she feels the problem will soon end

8. Self – Hurting Behaviors • Self-injury is the act of deliberately destroying body tissue, at times to change a way of feeling. • It is an intentional act, repetitive, and results in minor to moderate harm without the intent to cause death. • Self-injury often occurs in secret – person hides the self-injury from others.

9. Self - Hurting Behaviors • Cutting • Burning • Pin-Sticking • Carving • Scratching • Branding • Marking • Head-banging • Picking and pulling skin and hair • Abrasions (scrapes of bruises • Biting • Hitting • Breaking bones • Tattooing • Excessive body piercing

10. Why Do They Hurt Themselves? • To escape from emotional pain, such as anger or anxiety • To release tension • To physically express pain • To express feelings of emptiness, loneliness, helplessness • An attempt to feel/be more in control • To protect themselves from pain • Not understood by others • To induce a pleasure state from the endorphins that are released

11. Signs of Self - Injury • Frequent or unexplained scars, cuts, bruises, and burns (often on the arms, thighs, abdomen) • Consistent, inappropriate use of clothing to cover scars • General signs of depression • Secretive behavior, spending unusual amounts of time in the bathroom or other isolated areas • Social or emotional isolation and disconnectedness • Substance abuse

12. Signs of Self - Injury • Possession of sharp instruments, (razor blades, thumb tacks, pins) • Indications of extreme anger, sadness, or pain • Images of physical harm in class or creative work • Extreme risk-taking behaviors that could result in injuries

13. Giving Help • Let him or her know that you care and want to help. • Acknowledge that your friend has a problem and that the symptoms are serious. Ask about suicide. • Convince your friend to ask for help. This may include your talking to a trusted adult.

14. Objective 3.2 • Implement a plan for seeking adult help for peers who express symptoms of self-injury or suicidal intent.

15. Warning Signs • Decline in school performance • Skipping class • Dropping out of activities • Aggressive or destructive behavior • Insomnia • Daytime sleepiness • Difficulty concentrating

16. Warning Signs • Lack of energy • Changes in eating patterns, either over-eating or not eating • Withdrawal from relationships with friends and family • Isolation • Feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt

17. Warning Signs • Risk taking behavior • Changes in personality or behavior • Beginning to use alcohol or other drugs • Giving away prized possessions • Statements, such as “I wish I were dead” or “No one cares”

18. Warning Signs • Loss of interest in everyday activities, even things they enjoy doing • Apathy • Death themes in artwork or written work • Planning a suicide attempt or a previous attempt • A sudden lift of spirits because they feel their problems will soon end

19. Ways to Help • Take any signs or verbal statements seriously. • Listen to the person and show him or her that you care. • Don’t leave the person alone.

20. Ways to Help • Build a network of support: • Friends • Family members • Counselors • Teachers • Faith leader • Health care provider

21. Ways to Help • Call a suicide hotline number. Check your local telephone book for a local hotline number. • Get professional help. • Seek out local agencies that could provide professional counseling services. • Seek a trusted adult