1. New York Association of School Psychologists & New York Office of Mental Health Present “Why do I Feel Sad all the Time?” A Workshop for Adults looking for information

2. Beginning Information  In the year 2000 suicide was the 11 th leading cause of death in the United States.  The total number of suicides was 29,350.  For every suicide death, there may be from 8 to 25 attempts.  More than 90% of the people who killed themselves had depression or a mental or substance abuse disorder

3. Differences in adult groups   There are differences in the rate of suicide as well as frequency of attempts between men and women.   Older Adults are disproportionately likely to die by suicide.   Life events and/or patterns effect each of the groups in slightly different ways.

4. How do we begin to help our family and friends? Today we will review information and resources to allow you to help your family, friends, or even yourself if you are concerned about depressive or suicidal behavior or feelings.

5. Groups we need to understand   Although there are commonalities among people in crisis, there are some important differences about the experience, risk factors and mental disorders that effect three groups of people: Women Men Older Adults

6. Can you hear the feelings?   My words will give me away. I sound… Sad Empty Hopeless Pessimistic Helpless

7. Do you really see me?   I have no energy, I feel “slowed down”   I am restless, irritable   I cry more than usual   I gain weight. I lose weight.   I may drink and abuse drugs. You never were like this ….

8. I am changing…   You are the one who can say, this is not the person I know.   You know my personality, my friends, my habits, my look, my strengths, my weaknesses, my good days, my bad days. Why are all the days bad now??

9. I know I don’t seem to be myself   I suddenly change my ways   I can’t make decisions, concentrate or remember things   I have lost interest or pleasure in activities, including sex   I sleep all the time   I have physical problems like headaches, digestive problems and chronic pain that don’t respond to treatment

10. Risk Factors for Suicide   Prior suicide attempt   Family history of mental disorder or substance abuse   Family history of suicide   Family violence including physical or sexual abuse   Firearms in the home   Incarceration   Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others: family, peers, media coverage

11. What are the differences between the groups we mentioned?   Suicide was the 8 th leading cause of death for men in 2000.   Suicide is the 19 th leading cause of death for women in 2000.   Suicide by firearm is the most common method for men and women, accounting for 57% of all suicides in 2000.

12. Other Mental disorders linked to Suicide   Young women – Borderline personality disorder   Young men – Conduct disorder and alcohol and substance abuse   Adult men – Antisocial behavior and alcohol and substance abuse.

13. Older Adults   Of nearly 35 million Americans 65 and older, it is estimated that 2 million have a depressive illness.   Another 5 million may have depressive symptoms that fall short of a meeting full criteria for a disorder.   Depression often co-occurs with serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease

14. Older Adults   Depression needs to be treated when it co-occurs with other illnesses.   Untreated depression can delay recovery or worsen the outcome of these illnesses.   Health care professionals and patients can sometimes conclude that depression is the normal consequence to the illness.

15. Life Patterns in Women   Adolescence – By age 15 girls are twice as likely to have had a major depressive episode as boys.   Adult relationships and work – Some have theorized that a higher rate of depression in women is effected by the multiple roles they have in society today.

16. Life Patterns in Women   Reproductive events/cycles – the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, the post- pregnancy period, infertility, menopause, and the decision not to have children can bring fluctuations in mood that include depression.   Women who were molested as children are more likely to have depression.

17. Life Patterns in Women   Later Adulthood – More women suffer from depression at this age. Being unmarried, including widowhood is a risk factor for depression.   Remember, though, that depression is a treatable illness.

18. Life Patterns in Men   Young men- In 2000 suicide was the 3 rd leading cause of death among males age 10 to 24.   Adult years – Men are often more likely to use other behaviors or words to describe depression. Men often have difficulty asking for help! Men are less likely to seek treatment

19. Life Patterns in Men   Elderly men often cope with the stress of redefinition. When they retire, they no longer have a job with which to identify.   Health care professionals can easily miss depressive symptoms, especially in men who are silent or who use different words to describe depression.

20. Treatment for Depression   Good news! Depression is treatable in all adult life phases.   There are a number of medications which can be part of treatment.   A number of different styles of psychotherapy are also available. Certain styles may match the needs of one individual over another.

21. “And pretty soon you start having good thoughts about yourself and that you’re not worthless and you kind of turn your head over your shoulder and look back at that, that rutted, muddy, dirt road that you just traveled and now you’re on some smooth asphalt and go, ‘Wow, what a trip. Still got a ways to go, but I wouldn’t want to go down that road again.’ ” Patrick McCathern, First Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, retired

22. Helping family and friends

23. Helping and Healing It takes courage to ask for help, but help can make all the difference.