Depression and Suicide Bulletin Board Submitted by Talitha Anderson Resident Advisor, Streit Perham Hall This board has an emphases on making sure students know that there are resources and hope. I used it along with a program. The information is still extremely valuable. It not only includes facts and symptoms but tips and advice on how to help a friend or one's self as well as national resources for someone who might be suicidal. Headings are also color coordinated - Green is the color of depression awareness and yellow is the color for suicide prevention. There is a picture after the content slides of the board as it appeared on my floor.

Depression Depression is more than having the blues or feeling down. Symptoms usually last for two weeks or longer and can be mild to severe. When a student stops attending classes or withdraws socially, it may be time to be concerned. Typical symptoms usually occur all day for every day.

Depression: Symptoms Feeling depressed or sad Loss of interest in activities Crying frequently Irritable or angry Loss or increase of appetite Weight loss or weight gain Insomnia or sleeping a lot Exhaustion or loss of energy Feeling worthless Difficulty concentrating Trouble making decisions Hopelessness about the future Thoughts of suicide

Coping with Depression: What You Can do for Yourself Let someone know you are struggling. Stay active, attend classes, and remain social. Exercise. Be aware that depression influences thinking, so your thinking may not be accurate. Try to set realistic goals for yourself. Reduce your stress. Take extra special care of yourself. Seek the help of a counselor or medical practitioner

Depression: Statistics Major Depressive Disorder is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 18-44. Major Depressive Disorder affects approximately 14.8 million adults, or about 6.7% of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. National Institute of Mental Health

Depression: Facts There is no single cause of depression. It likely results from a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors. Some types of depression tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic link. However, depression can occur in people without a family history of depression as well. Research indicates that depressive illnesses are disorders of the brain. Brain imaging technologies have shown that brains of people with depression look different than those of people without depression. National Institute of Mental Health

Depression: Men vs. Women Men often experience depression differently than women and may have different ways of coping with the symptoms. Men are more likely to acknowledge having fatigue, irritability, loss of interest in once-pleasurable activities, and sleep disturbances. Men are more likely to turn to alcohol or drugs when they are depressed or become frustrated, discouraged, irritable, angry, and sometimes abusive. Some men throw themselves into their work to avoid talking about their depression with family or friends, or engage in reckless risky behavior. Women Depression is more common among women than men. Women are more likely to admit feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and/or excessive guilt, Biological, life cycle, hormonal, and psychosocial factors unique to women may be linked to women’s higher depression rate. Women are more vulnerable to depression after giving birth or with the transition into menopause. Many women face the additional stresses of work and home responsibilities: caring for children and aging parents, abuse, poverty, and relationship strains. National Institute of Mental Health

Depression: How can I help a Friend? Offer emotional support, understanding, patience, and encouragement. Engage your friend in conversation and listen carefully. Never disparage feelings your friend expresses, but point out realities and offer hope. Never ignore comments about suicide, and report them to your friend’s therapist, doctor, or another authority figure. Invite your friend out for walks, outings, and other activities. Keep trying if he/she declines but don’t push him/her too soon. Remind your friend that with time and treatment, the depression will lift. National Institute of Mental Health

Suicide Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death of young people. In 2004, 8.2 per 100,000 adolescents (15-19 yrs) died by suicide and 12.5 per 100,000 Young Adults (20-24 yrs) died by suicide. National Institute of Mental Health, WSU Counseling Services

Suicide: Risk Factors Depression and other mental disorders, or a substance abuse disorder (often with other mental disorders). More than 90% of people who die by suicide have these risk factors. Stressful life events in combination with other risk factors. However suicide and suicidal behavior are not normal responses to stress. Prior suicide attempt. Family history of suicide. Exposure to the suicidal behaviors of others, such as family members, peers, or media figures. Incarceration Family violence, including physical and sexual abuse. National Institute of Mental Health

Suicide: Warning Signs Talking directly or indirectly about committing suicide or wanting to die Previous suicide attempt Abrupt change in personality and/or behavior (withdrawal, aggression, or moodiness) Increase in alcohol and/or drug use Rebellion and hostility Withdrawing from friends and activities Sudden drop in school performance Giving away special possessions Recent experience of loss Feelings of hopelessness or despair Unusual calmness after a loss or period of depression Neglect of personal appearance WSU Counseling Services

Suicide: Men vs. Women Men Women In 2004, suicide was the 8th leading cause of death for men. Four times as many men as women die by suicide. For young adults, 6 times as many men as women die by suicide. Women In 2004, suicide was the 16th leading cause of death for women. Women attempt suicide two or three times as often as men. National Institute of Mental Health

Suicide Prevention: What can you do to help someone? Trust your suspicions—the majority of people who are suicidal show signs before making an attempt. Make yourself available to listen and talk. Remain calm. Ask directly about suicide—you will not be “putting thoughts into the person’s head.” Take the person seriously & show that you care. Offer support, but don’t try to handle this on your own. If the person refuses help, contact someone immediately. Maintain contact with the person until help is secured.

Suicide Prevention: Resources Crisis Lines National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-442-HOPE 1-800-SUICIDE 1-800-GRDHELP Local Crisis Line: (Insert your local # here) Police/Paramedics: 911