Wes Crum, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Of Psychology Clinical Psychologist Depression and Suicide: Important Information For Educators

Learning Objectives Increase awareness of mental health issues Remove stigma associated with mental health issues Increase awareness of depressive symptomatology Discuss suicide and ways to prevent an occurrence

Today’s College Student Is less resilient and more stressed (Psychology Today, 2015) Declining Student Resilience: A Serious Problems for Colleges Center for Collegiate Mental Health % -- considered seriously hurting another person 3.3% -- actually hurt another person 23.2% -- were cutters 30.3% -- seriously consider suicide 8.8% -- made a suicide attempt

How do I identify a student who is experiencing depression?

Sad or depressed May appear irritable or angry as opposed to depressed Have volatile moods, angry outbursts, or rage Lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed Withdraw from family and friends Abuse substances Recognizing Depression in Students: Changes in Behavior

Noticeable weight gain or weight loss Eating disorders are correlated with depression Changes in sleep Sleeping much more or much less than usual Disheveled appearance; lack of personal hygiene Recognizing Depression in Students: Changes in Appearance

Grades dropping in school Lack of interest in after-school activities or sports Skipping school, coming to school late Delinquent behavior while at school Increases in disciplinary actions Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and difficulty concentrating Suicidal ideation Recognizing Student Depression: Changes in Performance

What Are Warning Signs For Student Suicide? Look for the same warning signs as for depression, and: Thoughts or writings of death or suicide Giving away possessions or putting affairs in order Locating weapons Men are more successful than women at completed suicide. Making comments such as, “You won’t have to worry about this when I’m gone,” or “I won’t be a bother to you much longer.” Feelings of worthlessness

Whereas adults come to suicidal behavior often over the course of lengthy stressful events, Adolescents may become suicidal after experiencing an intense emotional event, a breakup with a boy/girlfriend, or becoming an outcast to friends.

Factors associated with increased likelihood of suicide attempts Previous suicide attempts or gestures Substance abuse or other mental health disorders Family history of suicidal behavior Life stressors (interpersonal losses, relationships) Access to firearms Survivor of child abuse (physical or sexual abuse) Sexual orientation (homosexual, bisexual and trans- gendered youth are 3-5 times more likely to commit suicide)

Factors associated with decreased likelihood of suicide attempts Family cohesion (family with mutual involvement, shared interests and emotional support) Good coping skills and impulse control Academic achievement Perceived connectedness to school Social integration/opportunities to participate Sense of worth/confidence Stable environment Access and care for mental/physical/substance disorders

What do I do if I think a student might be severely depressed and considering suicide?

Depression and Suicide Talk to the student – Show your concern. Gather information calmly Communicate caring and support Do not promise secrecy You may notice specific behaviors that concern you: I could be wrong, but I noticed…. (look tired). Remember SAL Specific plan and intent Available means Lethal means

Procedures When Working with Suicidal Students, con’t Remain present with an actively suicidal person Jason and Kathy involved Contact emergency services/local crisis center as necessary 911 County emergency mental health agency Local suicide hotline National suicide hotlines – for local hotline information: TALK (8255); and SUICIDE ( )

True or False? Most people who attempt suicide are just looking for attention. Quiz: Question #1 False Suicide attempts are rarely used as means to get attention from others. Rather, an individual sees suicide as the only feasible option for ending their pain.

True or False? Girls attempt suicide more often than boys. Quiz: Question #2 True Girls are more likely than boys to experience depression, to consider suicide, to make a plan for suicide and to attempt suicide. Boys have a higher rate of completed suicide than girls because they tend to use more lethal means such as guns and hanging compared to swallowing pills.

True or False? Alcohol and drug use is related to depression and suicide. Quiz: Question #3 True Students who abuse substances are often trying to mask their emotions and use alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms.

True or False? Asking students if they are suicidal will just put those thoughts into their heads. Quiz: Question #4 False Talking with students about their suicidal thoughts or ideas is one of the only ways to accurately understand their subjective reality and to understand the degree to which they are presently depressed or thinking about suicide as an option. Asking students if they are feeling depressed or suicidal may show them that you care for them.