Depression

Question 1

What is the definition of depression?

Answer 1

Feeling sad or hopeless for months. People with depression are unable to enjoy activities they were once able to enjoy. As the depression deepens they become unable to accomplish their daily tasks.

Question 2

What are some of the ways to recognize depression?

Answer 2

1. Change in appetite: significant weight loss or
   gain
2. Change in sleep patterns: oversleeping or not
   sleeping enough
3. Change in activity level: sluggish or frantic
4. Loss of interest in usual activities
5. Loss of energy, always tired
6. Hopelessness, boredom
7. Unexplained crying, easily annoyed
8. Repeated thoughts of death

Question 3

Risk factors seen before depression

Answer 3

1. A parent or other close biological relative with a
   mood disorder
2. A major life change or prolonged stressful
   situation
3. Being a victim of a violent crime or witnessing
   violence
4. A previous bout of depression
5. A sense of hopelessness

Question 4

What is a treatment for depression?

Answer 4

Medication - is a treatment for clinical depression

Question 5

What is a risk factor of untreated depression?

Answer 5

Self-injury

If you have the urge to cut…
1. Rub an ice cube on skin - to the point of pain
2. Take a shower
3. Write in a journal
4. Call a friend
5. Go for a walk
6. Listen to music that shifts mood
7. Play with a pet

Question 6

Is their a connection between depression and suicide?

Answer 6

Mood disorders, like depression, are a major risk for suicide.

Other factors…
1. A previous suicide attempt or family history
2. Having both a mental disorder and a substance
abuse disorder
3. Feelings of hopelessness or isolation
4. Lack of access to mental health treatment
5. Being influenced by the suicide of family, peers,
or celebrities

Question 7

What are some steps you can take to protect yourself?

Answer 7

1. Treatment for mental disorders
2. Treatment for substance abuse
3. Feeling connected to school, family, and others
4. Personal belief that discourages suicide
5. Knowing how to solve conflicts in a non-violent
   way

Question 8

Do’s and don’ts when a friend is thinking about suicide…

Answer 8

Do…
1. Trust your feelings
2. take the threat seriously
3. Say how concerned you are
4. Listen carefully
5. Talk calmly
6. Involve a trusted adult
7. Stay until help arrives

Don’t…
1. Dare the person to go ahead
2. Judge the person
3. Analyze the person’s motives
4. Argue or offer reasons not to attempt suicide
5. Leave the person alone