DEPRESSION

What Is Depression? A disorder that affects a person’s mood where feeling range from the blues to extreme sadness and hopelessness.  It can be a crippling disease and may lead to suicide.

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

What are the Signs of Depression?  Sadness  Hopelessness  Change in Eating Habits  Change in Sleep Habits  Loss of Self-Esteem  Withdraw from Life  Extreme and Sudden Mood Changes

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

What are the Signs of Suicidal Risk?  Grades Changing  Giving Things Away  Moody - Quiet  Self Destructive Behavior  Talk About It  Have a Will  Change in Eating Habits  Change in Sleep Habits

What You Can Do To Help! 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. Or  Determine the method.

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. Helping Con’t

SUICIDE IS A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO A TEMPORARY PROBLEM