Depression, Suicide and Teens
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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.
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
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
Parents
Teachers
Social Workers
School Nurse
Close relatives or friends
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:
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.