Depression and Suicide

What could make someone feel very connected to school? What could make them feel disconnected?

Connection to School Risk of Depression

Very connected Very low

Quite a bit Low

Somewhat Low to moderate

Very little Moderate

Not at all Connected High

Clinical Depression

• Is feeling sad and hopeless for months• Can cause problems at school, at home, and in

one’s social life.• If left untreated, depression can also lead to

substance abuse, serious behavior problems, and even suicide.

Recognizing Depression

• A mental health professional must determine if an individual exhibits four or more of these symptoms almost daily for two weeks or longer.– Change in appetite; significant weight loss or gain– Change in sleep patterns; difficulty sleeping or sleeping too

much– Change in activity level: sluggish (slow) or frantic (fast-paced)– Loss of interest in usual activities– Loss of energy; always tired– Hopelessness; boredom– Unexplained crying; easily annoyed– Repeated thoughts of death and suicide

Risk Factors

• A parent or other close biological relative with a mood disorder

• A major life change or prolonged stressful situation

• Being the victim of a violent crime or witnessing violence

• A previous bout of depression• A sense of hopelessness

Treatment for depression

• Medication– Chemicals in the brain control how signals pass

from one nerve cell to another and medication aid in restoring the brain function.

• Mental health experts help people learn new strategies to cope with their problems.

Self- Injury

• Is an unhealthy way to cope with emotions, stress, or traumatic events.

• Cutting is the use of a sharp object to intentionally cut or scratch one’s body deep enough to bleed.

Suicide

• See handouts!