1. Signs of Depression/Suicide Changes in sleep patterns (too much, too little) Changes in eating patterns (not eating, overeating) Inability to concentrate Loss of interest in everyday activities, even those he/she enjoys doing Risk taking behavior Isolation Begins to use alcohol/drugs Giving away prized possessions Death themes in artwork or written work Decline in school performance, skipping class, dropping out of activities Feelings of hopelessness or desperation Withdrawal from family or friends Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt Aggressive or destructive behavior Apathy, doesn’t care about anything A sudden lift in spirits because they feel their problems will soon be over

2. A.C.T. Technique A cknowledge that your friend has a problem and that the symptoms are serious C are. Let them know that you care about them and that you want to help them. T ell a trusted adult about your concerns. Just telling the right person can make all the difference.

3. Being Good To Yourself Ways to Help Change your Feelings Move on to new opportunities. Try to share your feelings with people you can trust & who care about you. Try to move towards people, not away from them. Concentrate on what you do well. Return to your normal patterns of diet, exercise, and recreation; force your body back into its normal routines. Get physical exercise. Even though you may be tempted to withdraw from activities when you are feeling low, try to keep up your participation. Stay busy. Make a specific plan to account for your free time. Set realistic, achievable goals for yourself and concentrate on achieving them. Seek a Professional Listener if: Depression recurs or seems to last. Depression interferes with your work or enjoyment of life. You have persistent feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or self-hate. You feel generally “stuck” or if you feel as if you’ll never be out from under the pain.

4. What is Depression? Depression is described this way: “People with major depressive disorder (Clinical Depression) are subject to a deep and long- lasting sense of sadness and loss of pleasure. Imagine having feelings that severely disrupt your ability to work, play, eat, sleep, and concentrate—then imagine having these feelings for weeks, months, or even years. That's what major depressive disorder is like. Sometimes major depressive disorder occurs in a single debilitating episode, and sometimes it recurs—but either way, it can be treated (Source: www.samhsa.gov). Another source described clinical depression as, an illness when the feelings of sadness, hopelessness and despair persist and interfere with an individual’s ability to function.

5. Depression Assignment In groups of 3-4, you will receive two situations that can cause depression. Your job is to identify positive ways for a teen to cope with each situation. Discuss & record ways that an individual can attempt to deal with a stressor and make the stressor less stressful

6. Dealing with Stress in our Lives Taking Care of Our Physical Body  Eating Healthy  Trying to get enough sleep  Exercise Mental/Emotional Help  Ask for help  Don’t be too hard on your self  Determine stressors within your control & plan ways to minimize  Work with or talk to a counselor/therapist

7. Dealing with Stress in our Lives Staying Socially Active  Talk to a trusted friend, family member, teacher  Get involved in a project designed to help others  Assist at a local Humane society or adopt a pet Medication  Sometimes, depression is more than a mental “thing”…it can be caused because of chemical imbalances in our body & brain…Antidepressants can help to restore those balances & make us feel better.

8. Suicide The act of intentionally taking one’s own life 3 rd leading cause of death for teens 15-19 Each year, 17% of all teens in this age group will consider suicide. More than 90% of those who commit suicide suffer from depression or another mental disorder OR have a history of abusing drugs or alcohol.

9. Suicide Situations that MIGHT lead to suicide:  Family history of suicide or violence  Sexual or physical abuse  Death of a close friend or family member  Divorce or separation, ending a relationship  Failing academic performance, impending exams, exam results  Job loss, problems at work  Impending legal action  Recent imprisonment or upcoming release Warning Signs of Suicide:  Becoming depressed or withdrawn  Behaving recklessly  Getting affairs in order and giving away valued possessions  Showing a marked change in behavior, attitudes, or appearance  Abusing drugs or alcohol  Suffering a major loss or life change  Talking about getting even with parents or other people close to them  See things from a very narrow perspective  Saying things like: “I can’t go on.” “Nothing matters anymore.” “I’m thinking of ending it all.”

10. What to do… Begin a dialogue by asking questions:  Do you ever feel so badly that you think of suicide?  Do you have a plan?  Do you know when you should do it (today, next week)?  Do you have access to what you would use? Never keep a plan for suicide a secret. Don’t try to minimize problems or shame person into changing their mind. If you feel the person is NOT in immediate danger, acknowledge the pain as legitimate & offer to work together to get help. Make sure you follow through.

11. How to Help… What do people who feel suicidal want?  Someone to LISTEN.  Someone to TRUST.  Someone to CARE. What do people who feel suicidal not want?  To be ALONE.  To be ADVISED. Lectures don’t help. Nor does a suggestion to “cheer up”, or an easy assurance that “everything will be okay”. Don’t analyze, compare, categorize or criticize.  To be INTERROGATED. Don’t change the subject, don’t pity or patronize. Talking about feelings is difficult. People who feel suicidal don’t want to be rushed or put on the defensive.