The document is from the Marin County Teen Mental Health Board and provides information about depression and suicide prevention among teens, including statistics on prevalence of mental health disorders, risk factors, warning signs, and resources for help. It aims to raise awareness of these important issues and notes that most mental health disorders can be treated effectively.

1. KNOW THE SIGNS
SAVE A LIFE
Marin County Teen Mental Health Board

2. Who Are We?
 We are a volunteer group whose
mission is to raise awareness for
mental health issues and suicide
among teens.
 We’re not mental health
professionals.
 We don’t do diagnosis or treatment.

3. Depression
 1 in 3 high school
students has a mental
health disorder.
 Most don’t seek or get
treatment.
 Depression is a
diagnosable disease
characterized by
altered levels of
certain brain Source: Amer. Psych. Assoc., Surgeon General
chemicals.

4. 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
depression—even the most serious
forms—can be helped.
Source: teendepression.org and NIMH

5. Causes and Risk Factors of
Depression
 Family history  Traumatic event
 Loss  Domestic violence
 Abuse  Drug abuse
 Bullying  Chronic illness or injury
 Major life change
 Family instability
 Peer pressure
 Questioning sexual
orientation  Stress
 Stigma of being
Source: teendepression.org
LGBTQ

6. Signs and Symptoms of Depression
 Withdrawal from regular  Change in energy level
activities
 Extreme feelings of  Antisocial behavior
sadness, hopelessness,
worthlessness  Drop in school performance
 Self hurt
 Loss of motivation
 Eating disorders
 Change in sleeping habits  Inexplicable aches
 Change in eating habits  Restlessness, irritability
Source: teendepression.org

7. Myth or Fact?
Depression affects more
than 19 million Americans
every year.
Fact!
Source: Mental Health America

8. Myth or Fact?
Most high school students
don’t think about killing
themselves.
Myth!
Source: teenscreen.org

9. Myth or Fact?
Approximately 68% of
adults 65 and over know
little or nothing about
depression.
Fact!
Source: National Mental Health Association

10. Myth or Fact?
 Males have higher suicide
rates than females.
Fact!
Source: AFSP

11. Myth or Fact?
Asking someone if they are
suicidal makes them more
suicidal.
Myth!
Source: AFSP

12. Suicide is a permanent solution to
a temporary problem
 People who commit
suicide don’t want to
die.
 It is often impulsive
 90% of people who
commit suicide suffer
from a treatable mental
health disorder.
Source: AFSP

13. 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 10-
14.
 Those who’ve made prior attempt more vulnerable, but
means restriction is effective.
Source: AFSP

14. Suicide Trends
 After steady decline
in the 90’s, suicide
rates have
increased since
2000.
 2010 was the
highest rate in 15
years.
Source: AFSP

15. Risk Factors for Suicide
 Existing mental
health disorder.
 Prior attempt.
 Family history.
 Substance abuse.
 Bullying.
 Isolation.
Source: AFSP
 Access to means, weapons.

16. Warning Signs and Indicators of Suicide
 Suicidal Talk  Taking excessive risks
 Preoccupation with death  Drop in school
or dying performance
 Withdrawal from family or
 Increased drug, alcohol
friends
 Making final use
arrangements  Self neglect
 Self-injury  Involvement in criminal
 Change in energy level justice system
 Expression of anger and

17. ACT
Acknowledge
Care
Tell

18. 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

19. 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. Don’t be
afraid to ask.

20. Importance of Kindness
 Be sensitive to people’s
problems; you never know
what someone is going
through.
 One kind act or word can
brighten someone’s day or
even change their life
forever.
 Be sympathetic,
empathetic.

21. 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
 Community Institute for Psychotherapy
 Offers quality, affordable counseling and psychotherapy
 Tel: (415) 459-5999
 Suicide Hotline (Spanish)
 1-888-628-9454

22. 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.