Understanding Depression and Suicide

Cathy GentinoMercer Island Youth and Family

Services Counselor

Why this Topic?

• Depression is the leading cause of disability for 15-44 year olds in the U.S.

• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people aged 15-24

• 14% of 10th grade MIHS students who responded to Healthy Youth Survey said they had seriously considered attempting suicide

Signs and Symptoms of Depression• Change in mood – hopeless, helpless, worthless, sad, irritable –

lasting at least two weeks and…

• Change in sleep patterns• Change in appetite• Loss of energy• Withdrawal from friends and family• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions• Self-hatred• Loss of interest in favorite activities• Increased drug and alcohol use• Increased thoughts about death or suicide

Depression is:

• A common, serious mental health disorder

• NOT a sign of weakness• NOT about lack of willpower

• IS treatable!

Depression has Many Causes

• Difficult things that happen to us• Genetic vulnerability• Psychological factors• Isolation• Biological factors

Depression is Treatable!

• Counseling and medication are the most common treatments

Finding a Therapist

In Washington, the age of consent is 13• There are exceptions to confidentiality• Get a referral from someone you trust

Therapy

• Support• Counseling is a place to work on

your own goals• Learn to tolerate distress• Learn to manage difficult feelings• Learn to recognize and challenge negative

thoughts• Learn skills for healthy relationships

Medication

– Anti depressants are thought to act on brain chemicals called neurotransmitters

– Can take up to 6 weeks– Alcohol and other drugs undermine

effectiveness– Communication with doctor is important!

Helping a Friend

• Listen non judgmentally• Offer encouragement• Continue to invite a friend out even if you

know they are likely to say no• Know your limits and take care of yourself• Help your friend connect with a trusted adult• Don’t ignore any talk of suicide

Myths and Facts

• T/F – Asking about suicide may cause suicide behavior

• T/F – Those who attempt suicide really want to die

• T/F – If someone is talking about suicide, they won’t do it.

Warning Signs of Suicidality

• Change in mood and feelings• Change in behavior – Reckless behavior– Self-harm– Drug/alcohol abuse– Withdrawing from friends– Talk about death or concerning statements – in

person/social media/in writing– Giving away possessions

If You are Worried a Friend is Suicidal

1. Show you care2. Ask “the question”

Are you thinking about suicide?3. Get help

Role Play

• If you ever have a concern for a friend or yourself….

Consult, consult, consult

Resources

• R and R Place – Cathy Gentino and Chris Harnish• Guidance Counseling Office• Mercer Island Youth and Family Services – 275-7611• Crisis Clinic/Teen Link – 461-3222• Trevor Project – 866-488-7386• Family Doctor• Clergy

• www.crisischat.org• www.crisistextline.org

In the Tool Kit

• Coping skills for

– Building healthy, fun relationships– Reducing stress– Finding humor– Tolerating distress and difficult feelings– Communicating thoughts and feelings– Being able to say no– Being able to keep expectations reasonable– Having activities to enjoy

Resilience

• Family• Friends• Support• Healthy activity • Positive outlook• Healthy coping skills• Creative outlets

What’s the Difference: Mood or Depression?

• How severe is it?• How many symptoms?• How long has it lasted?• How hard is it to manage your life?

Coping Strategies• Stay busy• Be with friends/family• Music/art• Talk with someone you trust• Sports/work out• Be alone/don’t be alone• Movies/TV• Sleep/eat• Write• Coach yourself through• Stay in the present• Remember it could be worse

How is it Diagnosed?

• Therapist/Doctor/Psychiatrist/Psychologist• A thorough evaluation• “Rule out” other medical issues

• Beware self diagnosis!

Types of Depression

• Major or Clinical Depression

• Bipolar Depression

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

• Dysthymia

Depression Often Occurs With

• Anxiety• Substance Abuse• Eating Issues

Scenarios

Low mood or depression?

Helping Ourselves

• Breathe….accept that this is where you are right now

• Remind yourself: this won’t last forever• Practice self care – short walks, a healthy meal,

regular bed times• Have strategies for night time worry• Be careful about spending too much time alone

Barriers to Getting Help

• Embarrassment• Hopelessness• Fear of parents finding out• Family/friends aren’t aware• Lack of resources

Depression and Families

• Everyone is affected

• Increased conflict and worry

• Need for education and support

Seek Support Early On

• To reduce suffering• To reduce the chances of suicide• To reduce the chance of depression coming

back• To learn skills to deal with depression if it does

come back

Life is Hard

• Loss• Family conflict• Fitting in• Break ups• School pressure• Illness/injury• Trauma