- Depression knows no boundaries, it can happen to anyone.
- Depression is treatable.
- A depressed teen may look anything but depressed.
- All suicide attempts must be taken seriously.
- 1 in 10 Americans suffer from depression.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among all those 25-34 years old in the U.S., second only to "Unintentional Injury" deaths.
- Women suffer from depression 70% more than men.
- While males are 4 times more likely than females to die by suicide, females attempt suicide 3 times as often as males.
- Suicide is the 10th ranking cause of death in the U.S.
- More people kill themselves than are killed by others
- Most suicide attempts are expressions of extreme distress, not harmless bids for attention. A person who appears suicidal should not be left alone and needs immediate mental-health treatment.
- Minor depression is characterized by having symptoms for 2 weeks or longer that do not meet full criteria for major depression. Without treatment, people with minor depression are at high risk for developing major depressive disorder.
- Major depressive disorder, or major depression, is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. Major depression is disabling and prevents a person from functioning normally. Some people may experience only a single episode within their lifetime, but more often a person may have multiple episodes.
- Depressive illnesses are disorders of the brain. Brain-imaging technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have shown that the brains of people who have depression look different than those of people without depression. The parts of the brain involved in mood, thinking, sleep, appetite, and behavior appear different.
- Some types of depression tend to run in families. However, depression can occur in people without family histories of depression too.
- A trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or any stressful situation may trigger a depressive episode. Other depressive episodes may occur with or without an obvious trigger.
- Depression, even the most severe cases, can be effectively treated. The earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is.
- A person tries to end their life every 22 seconds in the U.S.
- Every 13.7 minutes someone ends their life.
- The number one cause of suicide is untreated depression.
- Depression and heart disease often accompany each other and each can lead to the other. Other illnesses may come on before depression, cause it, or be a consequence of it. But depression and other illnesses interact differently in different people. In any case, co-occurring illnesses need to be diagnosed and treated.
- 8 out of 10 patients with depressive illness will improve through treatment.
- Depression is a true and treatable medical condition. Try not to let hopelessness or shame stop you or a friend from getting medical help. Get help today.
- 22 Veterans take their own life each day.
- In 2012, there were more military suicides than combat deaths.
- Although many people assume that the highest rates of suicide are among young people, older white males age 85 and older actually have the highest suicide rate in the United States.
- Talking about suicide or saying they wish they were dead
- Talking about hopelessness and worthlessness, or having no reason to live
- Suddenly being happier and calmer or impulsivity
- Making unusual visits or calling people one cares about
- Making arrangements, putting their affairs in order
- Giving things away
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as hoarding medicine or buying a gun
- Feeling trapped, desperate, humiliated, or needing to escape from an intolerable situation
- Having the feeling of being a burden to others
- Becoming socially isolated and withdrawn from friends, family, and others
- Showing rage, or talking about seeking revenge for being victimized or rejected, whether or not the situations the person describes seem real
- Mental disorders, in particular, Depression or bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder, Schizophrenia, Borderline or antisocial personality disorder, Psychotic disorders; psychotic symptoms in the context of any disorder, Anxiety disorders, and/or Conduct disorder (in youth)
- Alcohol or substance abuse or dependence.
- Previous suicide attempt
- Family history of attempted or completed suicide
- Serious medical condition and/or pain
- Alcohol and other substance abuse or dependence may also co-exist with depression. Research shows that mood disorders and substance abuse commonly occur together
- Thinking about death or suicide? Call your doctor today.
- Feeling miserable and sad almost every day? Call your doctor today.
- Losing interest in most activities, or activities you once enjoyed? Call your doctor today.
- Feeling anxious or irritable or unable to concentrate? Call your doctor today.
- Racing thoughts, excessive energy, reduced need for sleep, having difficulty sleeping? Call your doctor today.
- Feeling overly tired? Call your doctor today.
- Feeling guilty, experiencing shame? Call your doctor today.
- Sleeping too little, sleeping too much? Call your doctor today.
- Eating too much or too little; unintentionally gaining/losing weight? Call your doctor today.
- Having medically unexplained aches and pains, stomachaches, headaches, etc.? Call your doctor today.
- Loss of interest in usually enjoyable activities.
- May be irritable and unable to concentrate.
- Loss or gain of weight.
- Have difficulty sleeping.
- Stomachaches, headaches and tantrums.
- Ask questions, tell them you are concerned about them.
- Ask questions, tell them specifically what they have said or done that makes you feel concerned about suicide.
- Ask questions, ask whether they have a particular plan or method in mind.
- Ask if they are seeing a clinician or are taking medication so the treating person can be contacted.
- Do not try to argue someone out of suicide. Instead, let them know that you care, that they are not alone and that they can get help. Avoid pleading and preaching to them with statements such as, "You have so much to live for," or "Your suicide will hurt your family."
- Actively encourage the person to see a physician or mental health professional immediately.
- People considering suicide often believe they cannot be helped. If you can, assist them to identify a professional and schedule an appointment. If they will let you, go to the appointment with them.
- If a person is threatening, talking about, or making specific plans for suicide, this is a crisis requiring immediate attention. Do not leave the person alone.
- Remove any firearms, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used for suicide from the area.
- Take the person to a walk-in clinic at a psychiatric hospital or a hospital emergency room.
- Call 911 if the threat is imminent, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for assistance.
- The person may need your support to continue with treatment after the first session.
- If medication is prescribed, support the person to take it exactly as prescribed. Be aware of possible side effects, and notify the person who prescribed the medicine if the person seems to be getting worse, or resists taking the medicine. The doctor can often adjust the medications or dosage to work better for them.
- Help them understand that it may take time and persistence to find the right medication (or combination of medications) and the right therapist. Offer your encouragement and support throughout the process.
- Once diagnosed, a person with depression can be treated in several ways. The most common treatments are medication and psychotherapy
- Men may be more likely than women to turn to alcohol or drugs when they are depressed. They also may become frustrated, discouraged, irritable, angry, and sometimes abusive. Some men throw themselves into their work to avoid talking about their depression with family or friends, or behave recklessly.
- Do not wait too long to get evaluated or treated. There is research showing the longer one waits, the greater the impairment can be down the road. Try to see a professional as soon as possible.
- Try to be active and exercise. Go to a movie, a ballgame, or another event or activity that you once enjoyed.
- Set realistic goals for yourself.
- Break up large tasks into small ones, set some priorities and do what you can as you can.
- Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative. Try not to isolate yourself, and let others help you.
- Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Do not expect to suddenly "snap out of" your depression. Often during treatment for depression, sleep and appetite will begin to improve before your depressed mood lifts.
- Postpone important decisions, such as getting married or divorced or changing jobs, until you feel better. Discuss decisions with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
- Remember that positive thinking will replace negative thoughts as your depression responds to treatment.
- Continue to educate yourself about depression.