Mental and Emotional Health

Continued….

Depression

DepressionWords to know

Disorders – Disturbance in a normal function of a part of the body.

Depression – A very serious mood disorder in which people lose interest in life and can no longer find enjoyment in anything.

Depression Affects a persons

› Thoughts › Moods › Feelings› Behavior › Physical health

Misperceptions of Depression

•“It’s all in their head”• They can easily “snap out of it”• They can “get over it”• It means you are weak• Only adults get depression

Depression What causes it?

› A medical disorder that has to be diagnosed

› Chemical imbalance› Genetics › Stressful life event› No identifiable cause

Getting Help Seek our

› School Psychologist; Mrs. Root› SAY Counselor; Ms. Greene› Guidance counselors; Mr. Sullivan and Mrs.

Amstutz› A parent or trusted adult

AnxietyAnxiety- A state of uneasiness, usually associated

with a future of uncertainty.

Anxiety Disorder- A disorder in which intense feelings of fear keeps a person from functioning normally.

There are several types of anxiety disorders. Panic- A feeling of sudden intense fear.

Phobia- an exaggerated fear of a specific situation

Suicide The intentional taking of one’s own life

Second leading cause of death for 10-14 year olds (CDC, 2010)

High Risk for Suicide Mood disorders;

schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and certain personality disorders

Alcohol/substance use disorders

Hopelessness History of trauma or abuse Major physical illnesses Previous suicide attempt Family history of suicide Job or financial loss Loss of relationship

Easy access to lethal means

Local clusters of suicide Lack of social support and

sense of isolation Cultural and religious

beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma

Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)

Warning Signs of Suicide Sharing suicide plans openly Dropping hints through words and actions Changes in eating or sleeping habits Lack of interest in school Dramatic changes in the persons appearance Giving away prized possessions Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular

activities A sudden change in mood Use of alcohol or other drugs

Ways of Providing Support Talk to the person Show an interest in the persons

problems Ask if they are planning to harm

themselves Encourage the person to tell or talk to

a trusted adult Never promise to keep suicide plans a

secret

Self Mutalation

Self Injury/ Mutilation Definition: Intentional injury to one’s own

body. Usually leaves marks or causes tissue damage.

Examples: Cutting Burning/Branding Excessive piercing/tattooing Picking at skin/ reopening wounds Hair pulling Head banging, hitting, bone breaking

What leads to self injury? Relieves intense feelings, pressure or

anxiety

Manages pain

Asking for help in an indirect way (drawing attention) - trying to manipulate others to care

Warning Signs of Self-Injury Wearing pants/long sleeves in warm

weather Possessing lighters, razors, sharp

objects Low self- esteem Difficulty handling feelings Relationship problems Poor functioning at work, school, and

home