1. Depression and Suicide

2. What could make someone feel very connected to school? What could make them feel disconnected? Connection to SchoolRisk of Depression Very connectedVery low Quite a bitLow SomewhatLow to moderate Very littleModerate Not at all ConnectedHigh

3. Clinical Depression Is feeling sad and hopeless for months Can cause problems at school, at home, and in one’s social life. If left untreated, depression can also lead to substance abuse, serious behavior problems, and even suicide.

4. Recognizing Depression A mental health professional must determine if an individual exhibits four or more of these symptoms almost daily for two weeks or longer. – Change in appetite; significant weight loss or gain – Change in sleep patterns; difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much – Change in activity level: sluggish (slow) or frantic (fast-paced) – Loss of interest in usual activities – Loss of energy; always tired – Hopelessness; boredom – Unexplained crying; easily annoyed – Repeated thoughts of death and suicide

5. Risk Factors A parent or other close biological relative with a mood disorder A major life change or prolonged stressful situation Being the victim of a violent crime or witnessing violence A previous bout of depression A sense of hopelessness

6. Treatment for depression Medication – Chemicals in the brain control how signals pass from one nerve cell to another and medication aid in restoring the brain function. Mental health experts help people learn new strategies to cope with their problems.

7. Self- Injury Is an unhealthy way to cope with emotions, stress, or traumatic events. Cutting is the use of a sharp object to intentionally cut or scratch one’s body deep enough to bleed.

8. Suicide See handouts!