DEPRESSION

What Is Depression?
A disorder that affects
a person’s mood
where feeling range
from the blues to
extreme sadness
and hopelessness.

 It can be a
crippling disease
and may lead to
suicide.
What Causes Depression?
 Physical: Chemical
imbalance within the
brain.
 Psychological: A
mental disorder most
often related to stress.
 Other Factors: Family
history, Major life
stresses, Physical
illness, Drug abuse,
Gender.
 What are the Signs of
Depression?
 Sadness
 Hopelessness
 Change in Eating Habits
 Change in Sleep Habits
 Loss of Self-Esteem
 Withdraw from Life
 Extreme and Sudden Mood
Changes
How To Help Someone With
Depression?
 Talk to them- Don’t dwell on the
negative or challenging aspects &
focus on the positive things in their
life.
 Listen- Get them to talk.
 Show understanding
 Get them to suggest alternatives
-Put things into perspective.
 Encourage Exercise.
 Don’t tell them “THINGS ARE NOT
THAT BAD.”
 If it lasts longer than 2 weeks, seek
help, hotlines, counselors, &
trusted adults.
What are the Signs of Suicidal
Risk?
 Grades Changing
 Giving Things Away
 Moody - Quiet
 Self Destructive Behavior
 Talk About It
 Have a Will
 Change in Eating Habits
 Change in Sleep Habits
What You Can Do To Help!
1.Determine the Danger.
 ASK who, what, where,
when, why, & how
2.Deal with the actual plan.
 Remove the potential
for suicide.
Or
 Remove the means.
Or
 Determine the method.
Helping Con’t

3. Get professional HELP.

 Tell someone - teachers,
counselors, parents, or
suicidal hotlines.

4.Take RESPONSIBILITY for

saving your friend’s life.

5. Write a contract for life.

SUICIDE IS A PERMANENT
SOLUTION TO A
TEMPORARY PROBLEM