Suicide Prevention Flashcards
What is clinical depression?
Clinical depression is a mental disorder whose symptoms are feeling sad and hopeless for months, being unable to enjoy activities that were once a source of pleasure, and sometimes being unable to accomplish daily tasks.
What is it like for a person with clinical depression?
A person with undiagnosed or untreated clinical depression is often unable to enjoy life, does not function well in his studies or job, or even in his social life. The feelings of sadness affect every aspect of his life.
People who have treated there clnical depression vs people who havent
If these feelings go on and are left untreated, they could lead to drug abuse, different types of emotional disorders, and even suicide; however, people who seek professional treatment for clinical depression (i.e. therapy and/or medication) can go to live happy and healthy lives.
How do you know if somone has clinical depression?
Mental health experts say that a person who is clinically depressed will display at least four symptoms of depression every day for at least two weeks. Symptoms of depression can include feeling extremely sad or hopeless, feeling extremely tired and unable to complete usual tasks, feeling isolated from friends and family, and having no appetite. Symptoms vary from person to person.
How can clinical depression cause suicide?
When an individual suffers from clinical depression and does not seek help he often begins to think of suicide, or the intentional act of killing oneself, as a way to end his emotional struggles. The causes of suicide are complex for each person, but several risk factors stand out.
Risk factors for suicide include:
- 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
Why is knowing the warning signs for sucide good?
There is not a set description for the type of person who attempts or commits suicide. Statistics show that 80 percent of people who attempt suicide have warning signs. Knowing the warning signs may help you recognize if someone you know may be thinking about suicide.
Warning signs of suicide include:
- Change in eating and/or sleeping habits
- Withdrawal from family, friends, and activities
- Complaining about being bored all the time while getting poor grades
- Difficulty concentrating
- All of a sudden giving away favorite possessions
- Not accepting praise or reward
- Complaining frequently about physical problems
- Neglecting physical appearance
- Behaving violently or running away
What is self injury and why do people do it
Self-injury is an unhealthy way to cope with emotions, stress, or traumatic events. People who do things to injure themselves are not trying to commit suicide. They are in emotional pain and they think that physical pain will give them some relief from the intense emotions they are experiencing.
is self injury common?
Self-injury isn’t very common, but it is a serious disorder that can lead to other emotional disorders if left untreated.
When you are actively having the urge to cut yourself:
- Rub an ice cube on your skin.
- Take a shower.
- Write in your journal.
- Call a friend.
- Go for a walk or run.
- Listen to music that shifts your mood.
- Play with a pet.
What are cluster suicides?
Cluster suicides are a series of suicides that occur within a short period of time in the same peer group or community. One suicide triggers suicidal thoughts in other people and often results in more suicides.
