Understanding Depression, Anxiety and Suicide prevention

Anxiety Anxiety is the tense emotional state that occurs when you can’t predict the outcome of a situation nor guarantee that it will be the desired one.

Anxiety Some anxiety and worry is normal. These normal amounts of anxiety can actually help you respond to threats and feel motivated to get things done.

Symptoms of anxiety Emotional symptoms of anxiety Feelings of apprehension or dread Trouble concentrating Feeling tense and jumpy Anticipating the worst Irritability Restlessness Watching for signs of danger Feeling like your mind’s gone blank

Physical symptoms of anxiety Pounding heart Sweating Stomach upset or dizziness Frequent urination or diarrhea Shortness of breath Tremors and twitches Muscle tension Headaches Fatigue Insomnia

What is an Anxiety attack? Surge of overwhelming panic Feeling of losing control or going crazy Heart palpitations or chest pain Feeling like you’re going to pass out Trouble breathing or choking sensation Hyperventilation Hot flashes or chills Trembling or shaking Nausea or stomach cramps Feeling detached or unreal

What causes an anxiety attack? Playing the ‘what if’ game – negative self talk which sets us up for failure Poor self esteem – thinking not worthy Too much pressure to be perfect Eating poorly – too much caffeine Not exercising Full exposure to phobias Holding in feelings

Questions to ask yourself? Do you make time each day for yourself? Are you getting the emotional support that you need? Are you taking care of your body? Are you overloaded with responsibility? Do you ask for help when you need it? Do you know how to bring your life into balance?

Strategies… Challenge negative thoughts Write down your worries Accept uncertainty – we can’t control everything and everything is NOT going to be perfect. Take care of yourself Adopt healthy eating habits Exercise regularly Get enough sleep Practice relaxation techniques

What is Depression? Sadness is a normal reaction to life’s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. Depression is different from normal sadness by: Engulfing your day-to-day life, Interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief.

Some of the Common Causes Stress Social Anxiety or Peer Pressure Romantic Problems Traumatic Events Separating or Divorcing Parents Heredity Family Financial Struggles Physical or Emotional Neglect Low Self-Esteem Feelings of Helplessness Loneliness

Depression in teens Personality Change Poor performance in school Withdrawal from friends and activities Anger/rage Hopelessness Suicidal thoughts Poor self-esteem or guilt Substance abuse or acting out to avoid feelings Poor self-care

Common Signs and Symptoms Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness Loss of interest in daily activities Appetite or weight changes Sleep changes Anger or irritability Loss of energy Self-loathing Reckless behavior Concentration problems Unexplained aches and pains

Changes in behavior and thinking These may include: General slowing down Neglect of responsibilities and appearance Poor memory Inability to concentrate or think clearly Suicidal thoughts, feelings, or behaviors Difficulty making decisions Negative attitude and outlook

Professional treatment is recommended for depression and anxiety.

Treatment Medication - Antidepressants can help ease the symptoms of depression and return a person to normal functioning. Antidepressants are not habit forming. Therapy and Counseling – Talk therapy. This can help many depressed people understand themselves and cope with their problems.

Suicide Facts Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US. Each year 44,193 Americans die by suicide – 121 suicides a day. For every suicide there at 25 people who attempt – 1,104,825 We lose approximately 100 youth a week to suicide. In SD, 3rd leading cause of death for ages 10-24. In SD, each year approximately 140 die by suicide. In SD, we lose approximately 12 youth a year.

Common misconceptions about Suicide FALSE – People who talk about suicide won’t really do it FALSE – People who talk about or attempt suicide want to die FALSE – Anyone who tries to kill him/herself must be crazy FALSE – If a person is determined to kill him/herself, nothing is going to stop them FALSE – Talking about suicide may give someone the idea

Truth Four out of Five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warning signs.

Suicide warning signs Situational clues – what is going on in their life/problems are they going through. Behavioral clues Significant change in behavior Giving away prized possessions Making final arrangements Depressive symptoms Marked feelings of helplessness or hopelessness

Sudden, unexplained recovery from profound depression Risk-taking behavior Self-mutilating behavior (sometimes) A suicide plan Previous suicide attempts Chemical (drug or alcohol) abuse

Verbal Clues “I Can’t go on anymore.” “I wish I was never born.” “I wish I were dead.” “I won’t need this anymore.” “My parents won’t have to worry about me anymore.” “Everyone would be better off if I was dead.” “Life sucks. Nobody cares if I live or die.” “Things will be better when I’m gone.” “I want to go to sleep and never wake up.”

How to help Show them that you care – Listen, show empathy and concern. Don’t say: “This will make you stronger” “Time heals all wounds” “ I know how you feel” “It could be worse” “It will work itself out”

How to help Ask about thoughts about suicide. This is a very important step. Talk to a parent, counselor, or other trusted adult with them Don’t keep it a secret. If they are immediately at-risk, call 911.

Helpline Center Crisis Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Text “START” to 741-741