Depression

Depression, is very common. Studies have shown that it is more common these days. This is a information post so people can be more aware of depression and suicide, so they can stop there peers from committing suicide. Suicide is a serious matter, if you are noticing any of these things in your self. Please seek professional help. If you are noticing people that strongly show these signs, please talk to them about it, and alert an adult/supervisor.

Depression (de-pres-sion) ~a condition of general emotion dejection and withdrawal; sadness greater and                                                more prolonged than that warranted by any objective reason

Suicide (su-i-cide) ~the act or the instance of intentionally killing oneself

350 million plus people are diagnosed with depression, that is around 5% of the human population.

Women are MORE likely to be diagnosed with depression than men.

16 million plus U.S. adults have a had 1 or more major depressive episode (2012)

You have to have a depressed mood for at LEAST 2 weeks, to have an ACTUAL diagnoses of depression and you also need these four changes in functioning
1.sleep or eating disorders
2.lack of energy or concentration
3.problems with self image
4.thoughts of suicide

Brain chemistry, hormones, genetics etc. May play a role in depression.

Suicide warning signs:

1.Talking about suicide-- anything from suicide to self harm things like "I wish I hadn't been born"
2.Seeking out lethal means-- trying to get access to guns, pills, knives, etc. (anything that can be used in a suicide attempt
3.Preoccupation with death-- focus on death, dying, violence, drawing/writing about death
4.No hope for the future-- feeling helpless, the believing that nothing will get better, "no way out"
5.Self loathing/self hatred-- feeling like a burden, having guilt, shame etc. saying things like "everyone would be better off without me
6.Getting affairs in order-- creating a will, giving away prized possessions, etc.
7.Saying goodbye-- unusual/unexpected visits or calls to family and friends, saying goodbye as if they won't see them again
8. Withdrawing from others-- staying away from family or friends, wanting to be left alone, increase in social isolation
9.Self-destructive behavior-- increase in drug/alcohol, reckless driving, unnecessary risks almost like they have a "death wish"
10. A sudden sense of calm-- sudden happiness or calmness after extreme depression can mean the person in question has made plans for suicide.

FALSE: people who talk about suicide won't do it
FALSE: anyone who tries to kill themselves is crazy
FALSE: if a person is determined to kill them selves they can't be stopped
FALSE: people that committed suicide where unwilling to seek help
FALSE: talking about suicide will give someone the idea to do it

TRUE:  suicide can cause a domino affect, that pushes others into depression and suicidal thoughts


Info from Healthline.com, and helpguide.org