Depression and Suicide

• Fact: Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death in the U.S.
• Fact: The age group with highest suicide rate is 65 & older.
• Fact: Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teens.
• Fact: 4% of Teens will become seriously depressed and at risk of suicide. (In a school of 800 students, that’s 32 young people.)
• Fact: Suicide occurs among people of all backgrounds.
• Fact: Most suicidal individuals give definite warning signs.
• Fact: Depression is treatable. Suicide is preventable.

Depression

• Is an illness.
• Is nothing to be ashamed of.
• Is treatable.

Signs of Depression

• Feeling sad or crying a lot
• Feeling alone or empty inside
• Low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness
• Uncontrollable anger or irritability
• Changes in sleep patterns: Oversleeping or not sleeping at all
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Chronic worry or fear
• Withdrawing from family or friends
• Loss of energy
• Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities
• Drop in grades and attendance (teens)
• Self-injury such as cutting oneself (especially in teens)
• Drug or alcohol use

Suicide

• Is not a desire to die.
• Is a desire to end the emotional pain a person is going through.
• Is closely linked to depression.

Warning Signs of Suicide

• Talking or writing about death and suicide (“I wish I were dead. The world would be better off without me.”)
• Giving away prized possessions for no apparent reason
• Fascination with death, guns and knives (especially in teens)
• Feelings of extreme hopelessness and helplessness
• Facing a recent loss, major disappointment, break-up, divorce, tragedy or death
• Calling people to say goodbye
• Self-destructive or risky behavior such as increased alcohol or drug use
• Personality changes
• Lack of interest in future plans
• Unusual neglect of personal appearance
• Social isolation

What You Can Do if You Think Someone is Seriously Depressed or Suicidal…

• Show you care. Make a connection – Listen non-judgmentally – Offer hope.
• Ask the question. (Be direct! Talk openly.) Are you thinking about suicide? Are you thinking about hurting yourself? (Always take it seriously. Do not leave the person alone and don’t ever dare the person to do it.)
• Call for help! Do not try to handle the situation alone. Do not keep it a secret. Tell a trusted adult, tell a counselor, seek professional help.