Mental Health is the ability a person has to understand the daily ups and downs of life, and

to be able to keep a healthy balance.

Everybody is part of a bigger world.

Everybody has ups and downs. We call this your emotional cycle. Some move up and down at a slow rate.

Others cycle at a faster rate. Notice that everybody ups and downs. Everybody has their own emotional cycle.

Things like disappointments and losses can push you down. Small things push you down a little, big things push you down more.

It is important to understand that you will always come back up

Everybody comes back to normal, sooner or later.

What happens when someone can’tkeep their emotional balance?

It seems like there is nothing good in their lives.

This is what is called Clinical Depression. It is a mental illness, and can be treated by a Doctor.

One serious effect ofdepression is thoughtsof taking their own lifeThis is called beingSuicidal. Suicidal ideation

Clinical Depression is a “Whole Body” illness that involves your body, your mind and your thoughts.

Normal Depressors come and go, but if aperson continues to be depressed over aPeriod of weeks, they should see a Doctor

Depression Inventory

If a person has 4 or more of the following symptoms for at least two weeks, they may be depressed

- Noticeable change of appetite, with either significant weight gain or weight loss.- Drastic change in sleeping habits, sleeping too much, not being able to sleep, or with a reversed sleep cycle.- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy.- Loss of energy, fatigue

Depression Inventory contd

- Feelings of worthlessness- Persistent fellings of hopelessness- Inability to concentrate or think- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide or attempting suicide.

It is the persistent combination of at least 4 of these which define Major Depression.

What makes depressionIn teenagers different?

- Depressed teenagers often act out, instead of acting sad.-Their behavior can be careless and angry.-They don’t seem to care what happens to them or anyone else. - Getting into trouble at home, at school and the law, can be their way of asking for help!

If a person is Depressed, it is not JUST ” a passing blue mood”

and

Depression is not a sign of personal weakness,or a condition that can be willed or wished away.

It should be treated by a Medical Doctor

So, What can we do?

Suicidal ideation is something most people have now and then.

The problem is - IT Can be FINAL!

When anyone talks about suicide,it is important that they get help.

Most people don’t really want to end their life, but …..

- it may seem to them that they don’t have any options!

You can help them but you need to follow these suggestions:

Important RULES you need to take it very seriously when someone is speaking Suicidally.

*****

1.Never keep a secret, even if they ask you to!!!!!

2. Always tell an adult! (Their parents, a teacher, a counselor, a principal, or any responsible adult.)

What can you do to help?

1. Be a friend who will listen.2. Tell an adult because you care.3. Encourage them to get help.

What Type of Help Works?

1.Seeing a Doctor2.Anti-depressant Medications3.Counseling 4.Time5.Experience6.Maturity

What are other Mental Illnesses?

1. Schizophrenia or Psychosis2. Mood Disorders -Bi-porlar disorde, Depression3. Anxiety Disorders - Panic, OCD, Agorophobia.4. Personality and Adjustment Disorders5. Substance Abuse related disorders.

Mental Health is the ability a person has to understand the daily ups and downs of life, and

to be able to keep a healthy balance.