Download Ch. 4 4.3, 4.4 - Ms. Smersh Classroom

Depression and
Suicide
Chapter 4.3
Health Stats What relationship is there between risk of
depression and how connected teens feel to their school?
What could make someone feel very connected to
school? What could make someone feel disconnected?
Clinical Depression
• Depression can cause problems at school, at home,
and in one’s social life.
• If untreated, depression can also lead to substance
abuse, serious behavior problems, and even suicide.
Defining Depression
People with clinical depression may feel sad and
hopeless for months.
Recognizing Depression
A person who has clinical depression will experience four
or more of the symptoms nearly every day for at least
two weeks.
Risk Factors
• A parent or other close biological relative with
a mood disorder
• A major life change or a prolonged stressful situation
• Being the victim of a violent crime
or witnessing violence
• A previous bout of depression
• A sense of hopelessness
Treatment for Depression
• Medication is an effective treatment for clinical depression.
• Medication helps to restore normal brain function.
Self-Injury
• Self-injury is an unhealthy way to cope with emotions, stress, or
traumatic events.
• Cutting is the use of a sharp object to intentionally cut or scratch
one’s body deep enough to bleed.
• Burning the skin on purpose with a lighted match or cigarette is
another.
Suicide Prevention
• Suicide is the intentional killing of oneself.
• Mental health experts have identified factors that put people at risk
for suicide.
Risk Factors
• Mood disorders, such as depression, are a major risk factor for
suicide.
• A previous suicide attempt or a family history of suicide
• Having both a mental disorder and a substance abuse disorder
• Feelings of hopelessness or isolation
• Lack of access to mental health treatment
• Being influenced by the suicide of family members, peers, or
celebrities
Protective Factors
People at risk for suicide can reduce their risk by
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seeking treatment for any mental disorders
seeking treatment for alcohol or drug abuse
establishing a connection with school
developing closer relationships with family and friends
Cluster Suicides
Cluster suicides are a series of suicides that
occur within a short period of time in the same
peer group or community.
Warning Signs
• It would be very helpful if someone who was about
to attempt suicide showed unmistakable warning
signs.
• Unfortunately, most suicides occur without warning.
Helping Others
• An important thing to remember is that suicidal behavior is a cry for
help in dealing with problems that seem overwhelming.
• Suicidal people often feel that they have looked to others for
support and have received no response.
• It is important that you show care and concern for the person.
Helping Yourself
• If you have been feeling depressed, remember that no matter
how overwhelming the problems in your life may seem, suicide
is never a solution. It is vital that you talk about your feelings
with a trusted adult or mental health professional.
• Consider talking with a family member who lives nearby, an
adult friend of the family, or an adult in your faith community.
• Crisis centers and suicide-prevention hotlines are other
resources you can use.
4.4
TREATING MENTAL DISORDERS
Dear Advice Line,
Lately, I spend a lot of time just staring at the ceiling or crying for
no reason at all. I haven’t told anyone about my problems. I
don’t want to be labeled as “a mental case.”
What advice would you give to this person? What
would you say about the person’s fear of being labeled?
Locating Community Resources
• Sometimes people don’t recognize the signs of a mental disorder. Or
they may have been told that, with willpower alone, they can
overcome the problem. Or they may not know where to go for help.
• The first step toward recovery is recognizing the need for help.
• Do not ignore the warning signs
• If you have a mental illness you should see a mental health
professional for treatment
Types of Mental Health Professionals
Psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, and mental
health counselors are four types of mental health professionals.
Psychiatrists
• A psychiatrist is a physician who can diagnose and treat
mental disorders.
• A psychiatrist will do a medical exam to rule out physical
causes.
• Then, he or she will talk with a patient to find out what
symptoms the patient has.
• A neurologist is a physician who treats physical disorders of
the nervous system.
Clinical Psychologists
A clinical psychologist is trained to recognize and treat
behavior that is not normal.
Social Workers
A psychiatric social worker helps people with mental
disorders and their families to accept and adjust to an illness.
•They listen to and advise people
Mental Health Counselors
Some mental health counselors focus on specific problems or
work with specific groups of people.
Kinds of Treatment
Three methods used to treat mental disorders are
• psychotherapy
• drug therapy
• hospitalization
Psychotherapy
During psychotherapy, a person talks with a therapist.
These talks help people understand and overcome their
mental disorders.
• Insight Therapy This type of therapy helps people
better understand the reasons for their behavior.
• Goal is with this insight they will be able to change
some of their behaviors
• Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy This type of
therapy helps a person to identify situations, objects, or
thoughts that trigger abnormal behaviors.
• Goal is for the patient to learn new ways to behave
• Group Therapy In group therapy, people meet with
other people who have similar disorders.
• Group works together to develop coping skills
Drug Therapy
• Doctors prescribe drugs to treat many mental disorders.
• The drugs can relieve symptoms and allow patients to function
normally.
Hospitalization
Sometimes people with mental disorders need constant
attention or are in danger of harming themselves or others.