Signs

1
Signs Symptoms of Depression

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Physical complaints
• Overreaction to criticism
• Poor school performance

2
Possible Impacts of Depression

• School or work effects
• missing class
• Physical Effects
• losing weight
• Emotional or personal effects
• friends annoyed that I am always down

3
Benefits of Getting Help

• Someone to listen
• Learn skills for coping
• Support

4
Suicidal Behaviors

• Thoughts
• Attempts
• Death

5
Facts and Myths about Suicide

• True or False? Two Washington State youth
  complete suicide each week
• True or False? One out of ten youth attempts
  suicide
• True or False? One out of five youth seriously
  considers suicide
• True or False? Talking about suicide will
  cause someone to do it
• True or False? A person who talks about suicide
  is not really serious about
  dying
• True or False? Over 30 of GLB (gay, lesbian,
  bisexual) youth attempt suicide

6
The Point Is

• Youth suicide is a major problem in Washington
  State
• Talking about suicide may help to save a life

7
Causes of Suicidal Behavior
Relationships

• Break up with girlfriend/ boyfriend
• Pregnancy
• Bullying

8
The Point Is

• LOSS is a common theme
• There are usually many causes

9
Warning Signs

• Suicide-Risk Behavior
• Past attempts
• Talking about suicide, making plans
• Preoccupation with death
• Depression
• Moody, down
• Feeling hopeless, withdrawing
• Drug Use
• Things that Risk
• Easy access to guns
• Impulsiveness
• No one to talk to
• Victimization experiences

10
What is NOT Helpful

• Ignoring or dismissing the issue
• Oh, lets talk about something else.
• Youll meet another girl and forget
  this one youre a great guy.
• Acting shocked or embarrassed
• You arent REALLY thinking of
  suicide, are you?
• Challenging or debating
• So go ahead see if things really DO get
  better.
• Dont you know that it is wrong to kill
  yourself?
• Giving harmful advice
• Lets go get drunk and forget about all
  our problems.

11
What IS Helpful

• Show You Care - Listen carefully
• Im concerned about you . . . about how
  you feel.

12
What IS Helpful

• Ask the Question Be direct but caring
  non-confrontational
• Are you thinking about suicide?

13
What IS Helpful

• Get Help - Do not leave him/her alone
• Youre not alone. Let me help you.

14
Resources for Help

• School counselor
• Crisis telephone hotline
• Physicians/health care providers
• Mental health specialist
• Teachers, coaches, parent
• Clergy, youth leaders
• GLBT friendly services/people incommunity/schools