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.
Were not mental health professionals. We dont do diagnosis or treatment.

Depression

1 in 3 high school students has a mental health disorder. Most dont 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 depressioneven the most serious formscan 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

Traumatic event Domestic violence Drug abuse

Chronic illness or injury

Major life change Peer pressure Stress
Source: teendepression.org

LGBTQ

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Withdrawal from regular activities Extreme feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness Self hurt

Change in energy level Antisocial behavior Drop in school performance Loss of motivation Inexplicable aches Restlessness, irritability
Source: teendepression.org

Eating disorders Change in sleeping habits Change in eating habits

Myth or Fact?

Depression affects more than 19 million Americans every year.

Fact!
Source: Mental Health America

Myth or Fact?

Most high school students dont 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 dont 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 1014. Those whove made prior attempt more vulnerable, but means restriction is effective.
Source: AFSP

Suicide Trends

After steady decline in the 90s, 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

Taking excessive risks Drop in school performance

Withdrawal from family or friends

Making final arrangements

Increased drug, alcohol

use

Self neglect Involvement in criminal justice system

Self-injury Change in energy level

Expression of anger and

ACT

Acknowledge Care Tell

What To Do

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

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. Dont be afraid to ask.

Importance of Kindness

Be sensitive to peoples problems; you never know what someone is going through.

One kind act or word can brighten someones 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

Offers quality, affordable counseling and psychotherapy

Community Institute for 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.