KNOW THE SIGNS

SAVE A LIFE

Marin County Teen Mental Health Board

Who Are We?

We are a volunteer group whose mission is to raise awareness for mental health issues and suicide among teens.

We’re not mental health professionals.

We don’t do diagnosis or treatment.

Depression

1 in 3 high school students has a mental health disorder.

Most don’t seek or get treatment.

Depression is a diagnosable disease characterized by altered levels of certain brain chemicals.

Source: Amer. Psych. Assoc., Surgeon General

Depression Statistics

Depression is the most common mental health disorder in the U.S. among teens and adults.

10-15% of teenagers have some symptoms

of depression at any one time.

Between 80 and 90% of people with depression—even the most serious forms—can be helped.

Source: teendepression.org and NIMH

Causes and Risk Factors of Depression

Family history

Loss

Abuse

Bullying

Family instability Questioning

sexual orientation

Stigma of being

LGBTQ

Traumatic event

Domestic violence

Drug abuse

Chronic illness or injury

Major life change

Peer pressure

Stress

Source: teendepression.org

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Withdrawal from regular activities

Extreme feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness

Self hurt

Eating disorders

Change in sleeping habits

Change in eating habits

Change in energy level

Antisocial behavior

Drop in school performance

Loss of motivation

Inexplicable aches

Restlessness, irritability

Source: teendepression.org

Myth or Fact? Depression affects more than 19 million Americans every year.

Fact!

Source: Mental Health America

Myth or Fact? Most high school students don’t think about killing themselves.

Myth!

Source: teenscreen.org

Myth or Fact? Approximately 68% of adults 65 and over know little or nothing about depression.

Fact!

Source: National Mental Health Association

Myth or Fact? Males have higher suicide rates than females.

Fact!

Source: AFSP

Myth or Fact? Asking someone if they are suicidal makes them more suicidal.

Myth!

Source: AFSP

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary

problem People who commit

suicide don’t want to die.

It is often impulsive

90% of people who commit suicide suffer from a treatable mental health disorder.

Source: AFSP

Suicide Statistics Every 100 minutes, an American teenager commits

suicide.

For every suicide there are at least 25 attempts.

Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for people ages 15-24 after accidents and homicide.

It is the 4th leading cause of death for people ages 10-14.

Those who’ve made prior attempt more vulnerable, but means restriction is effective.

Source: AFSP

Suicide Trends After steady

decline in the 90’s, suicide rates have increased since 2000.

2010 was the highest rate in 15 years.

Source: AFSP

Risk Factors for Suicide Existing mental health disorder. Prior attempt. Family history. Substance abuse. Bullying. Isolation. Access to means,

weapons.

Source: AFSP

Warning Signs and Indicators of Suicide

Suicidal Talk Preoccupation with

death or dying Withdrawal from

family or friends

Making final

arrangements

Self-injury

Change in energy

level

Taking excessive risks

Drop in school performance

Increased drug, alcohol use

Self neglect

Involvement in criminal

justice system

Expression of anger and

aggressionSource: AFSP

AcknowledgeCareTell

ACT

If you think you or a friend is depressed or suicidal, get connected with a trusted adult.

Plan + Means + Opportunity

Deadly Secret or Deadly Promise

What To Do

Mental Health Hygiene Healthy diet and regular exercise

keeps you physically fit and helps fight or prevent a mental health disorder.

Getting enough sleep helps the body rejuvenate after a stressful day.

Maintain good relationships with family and friends.

Develop creative, physical or social outlet.

Seek help when necessary. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Importance of Kindness Be sensitive to people’s

problems; you never know what someone is going through.

One kind act or word can brighten someone’s day or even change their life forever.

Be sympathetic, empathetic.

Mental Health Resources

Family Service Agency of Marin Provides a safety net of affordable mental health services Tel: (415) 491-5700 24-Hour Suicide Hotline: (415) 499-1100

Community Institute for Psychotherapy Offers quality, affordable counseling and psychotherapy Tel: (415) 459-5999

Suicide Hotline (Spanish) 1-888-628-9454

Marin County Teen Mental Health Board

Contact Us: Web:

Knowthesignssavealife.blogspot.com Email: john@iheartcasey.com Tel: (415) 272-5123 We meet at 10AM one Sunday every

month at 317 Scenic Rd. in Fairfax.