1. Depression and Teen Suicide By: Mr. Frantz

2. Depression There are two types of depression. Clinical Depression Manic-Depression Disorder

3. Depression Clinical Depression is a feeling of sadness or hopelessness that lasts for more than a few weeks. It interferes with daily activities and interests. This can occur over a single situation or can be about life in general.

4. Depression Manic-Depressive disorder is when a person’s moods shift dramatically from one emotional extreme to another for no apparent reason.

5. Depression Although it is not known what causes depression it tends to run in families. Depression can sometimes lead to suicide.

6. Teenage Suicide Suicide is the intention of taking one’s own life. Each year thousands of teen attempt suicide. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for people between 15-19.

7. Teenage Suicide The rate of reported suicides among young people has tripled in the last 30 years and continues to increase. There are many possible causes of teen suicide.

8. Causes of Suicide Teenagers are having a difficult time adjusting to who they are, family life changes, who cares about them, where they belong, and the pressure to succeed.

9. Causes of Suicide Failure in a relationship, at school, or even a job can add to depression. Pregnancy, alcohol and drug problems, having an STD, or trouble with the law can be overwhelming to a teenager.

10. What to look for Warning signs of suicide can be verbal. Listen for: I want to die I don’t want to live anymore I wish I were dead I want to go to sleep and never wake up They’ll be sorry when I’m gone

11. What to look for Sometimes signs of suicide can be in the person’s behavior Depression, lack of energy Change in sleep patterns Lost of interest in hobbies Dropping grades Personality changes

12. What to Look for Experiencing a loss – break up, death, divorce Having problems with parents or school Previous suicide attempts.

13. So what do you do? If you see someone’s cry for help you should: Take the person seriously, do not blow it off Be direct and talk openly Allow the person to express their feelings Do not give advice or be judgemental

14. So what do you do? Do not challenge the person Do not allow yourself to be sworn to secrecy Tell an adult right away Suggest that the person calls a suicide center or talk to a trusted adult at school or in their family.

15. Be a friend Suicide can be prevented and often times it is a cry for help. No one wants to die it is just that they see no other way out. By being a friend to someone in need can change not only your life, but may actually save someone else’s.