Transcript Depression, Suicide and Teens

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem
Occasional sadness or bad moods are common in
adolescence…
HOWEVER… major depression limits a teenager’s ability
to function normally.
The good news is that depression is a treatable illness.
It’s NOT a weakness or moral failure. It also tends to
run in families….
 5 or more of the following symptoms consistently present
for two weeks or more.
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Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anger or guilt
Loss of interest in activities that used to be fun
Isolation from friends/family
School performance slips
Headaches, stomach aches or chronic pain
Difficulty controlling emotions
Inability to concentrate
Decreased or increased appetite
Lack of energy/Sleeping too much or too little
Thoughts about death or suicide
 Risk factors for suicide in teens:
 Depression
 Alcohol or drug abuse
 Aggressive behavior/disruption disorder
 Risks of suicide among people with depression is 30
times that of the general population!!!
 Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for 15-24 year
olds and the 4th leading cause of death for 10-14 year
olds.
Bullying and Suicide
 Elevated rates of depression, suicidal ideation and
suicide attempts have been found in youth who are
bullied and also in those who bully others.
 It is important to remember: Bullying does not cause
suicide, but it may put youth who are already
vulnerable at an increased risk for self-harm.
Bullying and Suicide
The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) illustrates the
“Victimization-Suicidality Pathway”:
Pre-existing vulnerability
Invites
Victimization
Depression, Decreased self-esteem,
Decreased self-worth, Feelings of
Entrapment, Loneliness, Withdrawal,
Anxiety, Insomnia, Hopelessness…
(New symptoms and/or exacerbations or
previous symptoms)
Which are risk
factors for
Suicidal Ideation
Suicide Attempt
Death by Suicide
SIGNS
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Talking about wanting to die
Irritability in teens
Unusual neglect of personal hygiene
Saying things like, “the world would
be better without me around”
 Giving away personal possessions
 Sudden, dramatic IMPROVEMENT in
mood
RISK FACTORS
 Access to weapons
 Substance Abuse
 History of impulsive or
aggressive behavior
 Bizarre thoughts, hallucinations
or actions
 Family history of suicide
 Previous suicide attempts
REACH OUT AND TALK TO
SOMEONE
SHARE YOUR CONCERNS WITH
PEOPLE WHO CARE
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Parents
Teachers
Social Workers
School Nurse
Close relatives or friends
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Guidance counselors
Family doctors
Clergy or Youth Ministers
Coaches
A First Step….
 If you or someone you know needs help, your first step
should be to call us:
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Ms. Laravee
Mr. Kupres
Mrs. Plantz
Mr. McMahon
630-570-8572
630-570-8576
630-570-8574
630-570-8573
Social Work
Office is room
128
 We can help you find resources available in the community
for children, adolescents and adults
 REMEMBER, THERE IS ALWAYS HELP. THERE IS ALWAYS
HOPE.