A prolonged feeling of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness. What Is Depression? A prolonged feeling of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness. It can be a crippling disease and may lead to suicide. Can affect your daily thoughts and behaviors 1 out of 8 adolescents have depression Only 1 in 5 depressed teens get help

What Causes Depression? Physical: Chemical imbalance within the brain. (puberty) Psychological: A mental disorder most often related to stress. (peer pressure, academic expectation) Other Factors: Family history, Major life stresses, Physical illness, Drug abuse, Gender.

Possible Signs of Depression? Sadness Frequently angry or irritable Change in Eating Habits Change in Sleep Habits Loss of Self-Esteem Withdraw from Life Extreme and Sudden Mood Changes

Potential Long term effects of teen depression Problems at school Creates family conflict Violence Run away Abuse alcohol and/or drugs Participate in reckless behavior Develop internet addictions GET HELP!!

How To Help Someone With Depression? Talk to them- Don’t dwell on the negative or challenging aspects & focus on the positive things in their life. Listen- Get them to talk. Show understanding Get them to suggest alternatives -Put things into perspective.

Help Continued Exercise. Don’t tell them “THINGS ARE NOT THAT BAD.” If it lasts longer than 2 weeks, seek help, hotlines, counselors, & trusted adults.

  ____ 1. A suicide attempt is just a bid for attention and ignoring it will discourage another attempt. ____ 2. Suicide is preventable. ____ 3. People who talk about taking their own lives never do it. ____ 4. People who attempt suicide want to die. ____ 5. Asking a deeply depressed person if he or she has thoughts about suicide will plant the idea in the persons mind.

SUICIDE IS A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO A TEMPORARY PROBLEM 5,000 attempts a day SUICIDE IS A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO A TEMPORARY PROBLEM Suicide is the 2nd leading Cause of death for teens.

What are the Signs of Suicidal Risk? 4 out of 5 teens give warning signs Writing (poems, stories) about death/suicide Giving Things Away Moody - Quiet Self Destructive Behavior Talk About It Have a Will Change in Eating & Sleeping Habits Withdrawal Precipitating Events Argument w/loved one Break-up Behavioral issues (getting in trouble)

What You Can Do To Help! DON’T LEAVE THEM ALONE! 1.Determine the Danger. ASK who, what, where, when, why, & how 2.Deal with the actual plan. Remove the potential for suicide. Or Remove the means. Determine the method. DON’T LEAVE THEM ALONE!

Tell someone - teachers, counselors, parents, or suicidal hotlines. 3. Get professional HELP. Tell someone - teachers, counselors, parents, or suicidal hotlines. 4.Take RESPONSIBILITY for saving your friend’s life. 5. Write a contract for life. Call 1-800-273-talk (8255) Suicide Video