1. Mental and Emotional Disorders
Health eSpotlight Video
Watch the video and complete the questions.
Explain how not getting enough sleep can effect a person's mental health.
Recall the recommended amount of sleep that teens need each night. Explain why a person cannot make up hours of sleep lost during the week by sleeping longer on the weekend.
1. Lack of sleep has been linked to depression and suicidal thoughts in teens.
2. Teens need between 9-10 hours of sleep each night. They should also go to bed by 10:00pm. Cramming in extra hours of sleep on the weekends does not make up for hours of sleep lost during the week. You cannot "catch up" on sleep.

3. Suicide and Depression

4. Suicide Vocabulary
A very serious mood disorder in which people lose interest in life and can no longer find enjoyment in anything
major depression
suicide
The act of killing oneself on purpose

5. Suicide: Intentional killing of oneself
The 3rd leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24
Affects many different people: young, old, bright, poor, rich, male, female
Depression can lead to suicide
A suicide threat is a desperate attempt to ask for HELP
Most common treatment is hospitalization

6. Cluster Suicides
A series of suicides that occur within a short period of time in the same group or community
Some involve a pact between friends

7. Causes of Teen Suicide Teens are at greater risk of suicide if they:
have family members who suffer from depression.
are living in poverty.
are using alcohol or drugs.
experience abuse or violence family.
are victims of bullying.
experience major stress.
Of course, all teens face stress, and most teens find ways to cope with it. They can turn to friends, family members, and others for help when they need it. However, some teens do not have a support network of this kind. Feeling cut off from other people increases their risk for suicide.

8. Causes of Teen Suicide Major Risk Factor: Depression
Feelings of hopelessness or isolation
Feeling like he/she has no friends
A previous suicide attempt or family history of suicide
Being influenced by the suicide of family members, peers, friends or celebrities
Having a mental disorder and a substance abuse disorder
Lack of access to mental health treatment

9. Warning Signs of Suicide
Talking about suicide or death
Talking about feeling hopeless, guilty, or worthless
Pulling away from family and friends
Loss of interest in normal activities
Sudden lack of attention to personal appearance
Teens who are thinking about suicide often show warning signs ahead of time. They may even talk about their plans. They may not use the exact words, “I’m going to kill myself.” However, they may drop hints, such as “It doesn’t matter anymore” or “You won’t have me around much longer.” Remarks like this should always be taken seriously.

10. Warning Signs of Suicide
Self-destructive behaviors, such as violence, substance abuse, or running away
Constant boredom, trouble concentrating, or a sudden drop in grades
Giving away favorite belongings
Becoming suddenly cheerful after a long period of depression
Teens who are thinking about suicide often show warning signs ahead of time. They may even talk about their plans. They may not use the exact words, “I’m going to kill myself.” However, they may drop hints, such as “It doesn’t matter anymore” or “You won’t have me around much longer.” Remarks like this should always be taken seriously.

11. Protective Factors/Prevention
Treating a person’s mental disorder (especially depression)
Treatment for abuse of alcohol or other drugs
Feeling connected to school, friends, family and others in the community
Having personal beliefs that discourage suicide
Knowing how to resolve problems in a non-violent manner

12. How to Help a Suicidal PersonDO
Trust your feelings if you believe a person may be suicidal
Take seriously a suicidal person’s threats
Tell the suicidal person how concerned you are and how much you care for him or her
Listen carefully to the suicidal person
Talk calmly with the suicidal person
Find professional help for the suicidal person.
Stay with the suicidal person until help arrives

13. How to Help a Suicidal Person
DO NOT
Dare the suicidal person to go ahead and make the suicide attempt
Judge the suicidal person
Analyze the suicidal person’s motives
Argue or try to convince the suicidal person of reasons why he/she should not attempt suicide
Keep the suicidal person’s self-destructive thoughts or actions a secret
Leave a suicidal person alone.