Depression Awareness & Suicide Prevention

Stress and Handling the Ups and Downs of Life

Stress:

  • is a feeling that's created when we react to particular situations
  • is a normal part of life
  • sometimes can be a good thing
  • is something we learn how to hand as we grow up
  • is not good for anyone if there is too much of it

Pressures that are too intense or last too long can cause people to feel a stress overload. People who are under unrelieved stress for long periods of time can become depressed.

 

When feeling down, there are ways to cope to help avoid serious depression. These suggestions may develop a sense of acceptance and belonging that is so important to everyone. Here are some ways to cope, suggested by Yellow Ribbon Program of Minnesota and others:

 

·         Be realistic! Learn how to say "NO!" to people or activities

·         Shed the "superperson" urge

·         Take one thing at a time

·         Try to make new friends

·         Try to be open with your feelings

·         Spend time with family & friends

·         If you feel lonely, ask  your school counselor to help you find a support group

·         Find out more about your religion

·         Consider the importance of spirituality in your life

·         Get involved with after-school activities

·         Accept other's thanks, compliments and praise

·         Plan your future and set realistic goals

·         Volunteer-You have a lot to offer!

·         Exercise regularly-Sweat!

·         Eat right!

·         Read subjects that interest you

·         Laugh and keep your sense of humor!

·         Keep a diary or journal

·         Write a poem

·         Paint or draw a picture

·         Dress well

·         Take long baths

·         Walk

·         Go to a funny movie

·         Ignore negative thoughts! They are just thoughts and they are not who you really are

·         Try meditation or yoga

·         Do not tolerate physical, emotional, or sexual abuse from anyone

·         Seek help if you feel overwhelmed. Needing help is not failing, it's simply being human!

 

Sometimes despite everyone's best efforts some teens become depressed. Check "What is Depression?"

If you need to talk to someone right away you can call: 

  • Washington County Mental Health Crisis Line at 651-777-5222
  • 1-800-273-TALK 1-800-273-8255 (National Hopeline Network)

 

"Always know that- No matter what happens to you in life, no matter what ups and downs life may bring, you have all the health and well-being inside you that you will ever need, it can never be destroyed, and it contains the wisdom and common sense to guide you through life." ~ George Pransky, 1998

 

What is Depression?

Depression is different from a bad mood or the blues because of its prolonged effects on a person. No one can escape a bad day, but if the effects last for more than two weeks, depression may be what's really going on. Here are some signs from Mental Health America.

These symptoms may indicate depression especially if they last more than two weeks:

·                                 Poor performance in school

·                                 Withdrawal from friends and activities

·                                 Sadness and hopelessness

·                                 Lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation

·                                 Anger and rage

·                                 Overreaction to criticism

·                                 Feelings of being unable to satisfy ideals

·                                 Poor self-esteem or guilt

·                                 Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness

·                                 Restlessness and agitation

·                                 Changes in eating or sleeping patterns

·                                 Substance abuse

·                                 Problems with authority

·                                 Suicidal thoughts or actions

Teens may experiment with drugs or alcohol or become sexually promiscuous to avoid feelings of depression. Teens also may express their depression through hostile, aggressive, risk-taking behavior. But such behaviors only lead to new problems, deeper levels of depression and destroyed relationships with friends, family, law enforcement or school officials.

Remember depression is a term or diagnosis of a particular struggle not a label of who we are.

Depression is treatable-learn how

Ø      First, talk to a trusted adult:

If you or a friend is depressed, the first and most important thing to do is to talk to a trusted adult, such as your parent or guardian, a relative, a neighbor, someone at your place of worship, a teacher, school counselor, school nurse, school psychologist, school social worker, doctor, coach or other adult at school, a friend's parent. If you talk to an adult and feel they don't understand, talk to another adult.

It is extremely important that depressed teens receive prompt, professional treatment.

Depression is serious and, if left untreated, can worsen to the point of becoming life-threatening. If depressed teens refuse treatment, it may be necessary for family members or other concerned adults to seek professional advice.

Therapy can help teens understand why they are depressed and learn how to cope with stressful situations. Depending on the situation, treatment may consist of individual, group or family counseling. Medications that can be prescribed by a psychiatrist may be necessary to help teens feel better.

Ø      Second, seek treatment for depression

Here are some common ways to treat depression:

  • Seeing a doctor  to explain what you are feeling and asking for the best treatment
  • Counseling or Psychotherapy provides teens an opportunity to explore events and feelings that are painful or troubling to them. Counseling or psychotherapy also teaches them coping skills and changing negative patterns of thinking and behaving and how to develop healthier relationships at home and school
  • Medication relieves some symptoms of depression and is often prescribed along with therapy.

 

Ø      Third, follow up with treatment and seek support

When depressed teens recognize the need for help, they have taken a major step toward recovery. However, remember that few adolescents seek help on their own. They may need encouragement from their friends and support from concerned adults to seek help and follow treatment advice.

When depressed, people have a tough time believing that they can improve. The good news?  Depression can be treated and people can recover.

Know the Signs of Suicide and What to Do

Sometimes teens feel so depressed that they consider ending their lives. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents and the second leading cause of death among college-age youth. People who attempt suicide tend not to want to die but are looking for a way to escape their pain. Studies show that suicide attempts among young people may be based on long-standing problems triggered by a specific event. Suicidal adolescents may view a temporary situation as a permanent condition. Feelings of anger and resentment combined with exaggerated guilt can lead to impulsive, self-destructive acts

Know the Warning Signs of Suicide

Four out of five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warnings. Pay attention to these warning signs:

·                                 Suicide threats, direct and indirect

·                                 Obsession with death

·                                 Poems, essays and drawings that refer to death

·                                 Dramatic change in personality or appearance

·                                 Irrational, bizarre behavior

·                                 Overwhelming sense of guilt, shame or rejection

·                                 Changed eating or sleeping patterns

·                                 -Severe drop in school performance

·                                 Giving away belongings

What to do:  "STAY - LISTEN - GET HELP"


If you suspect or become aware that your friend is suicidal, there are some important things to know: You must take it seriously. You must consider it an emergency. You must stay with your friend and get them help. You cannot handle this alone. The SAVE organization has developed the "STAY - LISTEN - GET HELP" method for teens to help a friend who is suicidal:

  • Stay with the person - you are their lifeline.
  • Listen, really listen - Take them seriously.
  • Get Help or call for help immediately.

If your friend is suicidal and asks you to keep it secret, do not keep the promise. It is far better to break a promise than to live with the pain of losing a friend to suicide.

If you are thinking of killing yourself, you must get help immediately. You must tell someone you are thinking of killing yourself. Things look hopeless when you are extremely depressed or sad. When you get professional help, you will learn to see your problems in a new light. You will see that there are solutions. You will become hopeful that life can have pleasure and meaning again. Take one or more of these steps:

  1. Tell your parent. If you can't tell your parent, tell an adult who you trust: relative, neighbor, someone at your place of worship, a counselor or someone else at school, a coach, a friend's parent. If they don't take you seriously, tell someone else.
  2. Call a 24-hour crisis counseling line. In Washington County, the number to call is: 651-777-5222  or 1-800-273-8255.
  3. Go to a hospital emergency room or check out the Places to Get Help.
  4. Call 911.

Places to Get Help

places to get help

Places to Get Help

It is important to talk to your parent or guardian if you are depressed or suicidal. If that is hard, other people who can help are: 

  • relatives
  •  neighbors
  •  school counselors,
  •  school nurses
  •  school psychologists
  •  school social workers
  • teachers
  • coaches
  • or other adults at school

and leaders at your place of worship.    Find someone who will listen to you, support you and assist you in getting professional help. You should also see your family doctor, since depression could be caused by a medical problem.

 

In Washington County, there is a 24/7 hour Crisis Line. The phone number is 651-777-5222. That means you can call day or night and someone will assist you if you need to talk or need help figuring out what your next steps are in helping yourself or a friend. Calling locally is your best choice.
If however a person is a danger to self or others call emergency 911.
There is also a national emergency number: National Hopeline Network 1-800-273-8255 or 1-800-273-TALK.

Native American youth who need help may want to call the new Native Youth Crisis Hotline
1-877-209-1266.

The mental health agencies in Washington County that employ therapists who counsel youth are:

Youth Service Bureau, Inc.
http://www.ysb.net/
Stillwater: 651-439-8800
Woodbury: 651-735-9534
Cottage Grove: 651-458-5225

Forest Lake Area Youth Service Bureau
http://www.ysblakes.org/
651/464-3685

Family Means Stillwater & Woodbury
http://www.familymeans.org/
651-439-4840

Children's Home Society & Family Services, Maplewood Inc.
http://www.chfs.org/
651-635--0477

HSI (Human Services, Inc.)
http://www.hsicares.org/
Cottage Grove: 651-458-4116
Forest Lake: 651-251-5220
Oakdale: 651-777-5222
Stillwater: 651-430-2720
TDD: 651-770-6834

OutFront Minnesota
(Gay, Lesbian,Bisexual, Transgender Youth)
612-429-8544

White Bear Lake Area Community Counseling Center
(Serving Mahtomedi, Hugo and Birch Lake Village)
651-429-8544

If you are already seeing a mental health professional you can call your clinic's phone number in a crisis and follow their instructions.

There are also private therapists in Washington County who offer mental health services to youth. Make sure you find someone who has experience working with teens. Talking to school staff and family doctors is a good way to get connected to a therapist or counselor. If your situation is a crisis, make sure you let them know so you can get a priority appointment.

Here are other crisis numbers you can call if needed for 24/7 help:
Emergency Social Service
651-291-6795
Human Services Inc. (HSI) mental health crisis clinic (9am-11 walk in)
651-777-5222
Tubman Family Alliance (family violence)
651-770-0777
Poison Center
1-800-222-1222
Rape/Sexual Abuse
651-777-1117

No crisis and just want information? First Call for Help call 211. This is 24 hour information and referral phone line