Spot the Signs
Name one change in a friend's behavior that might signal they are struggling
Becoming withdrawn, losing interest in activities, missing school, acting differently than usual
What does ACT stand for?
Acknowledge, Care, Tell.
Is depression the same thing as feeling sad for a little while? Why or why not?
No, depression is a mental health condition that can affect mood, energy, sleep, concentration, interests, and every day life and last longer than 2 weeks.
In Connor's story, how did he describe feeling when he was struggling with depression?
Drained, extremely down, alone, as though he wasn't good enough or didn't matter
Name one trusted adult at school you could talk to if you were worried about yourself or a friend
Trusted teacher, coach, school counselor, school nurse, parent, principal or assistant principal, etc
True or false: if a friend stops hanging out with others and seems unusually distant, it could be a warning sign
True
Which part of ACT means noticing possible warning signs in yourself or someone else?
Aknowledge
Name two areas of life that depression can affect besides mood
Sleep, appetite, energy, schoolwork, concentration, decision making, interest in activities
What did Connor tell his girlfriend that showed her she needed to ACT?
He told her he was thinking about suicide
True or false: a screening questionnaire can diagnose depression
False, a screening can identify symptoms or concerns to help someone decide if they should seek out more support, but it does not provide a diagnosis
A classmate who usually loves basketball suddenly quits the team, stops talking to friends, and seems down most days. What should you do?
Recognize the changes as possible warning signs, check in with them, and tell a trusted adults if you are concerned
Give one example of how you could show a struggling friend that you care
Listen without judging, check in with them, let them know you care, offer to go with them to find help
True or false: someone can feel lonely or depressed even when they are surrounded by friends
True
Which school adult did Connor talk to for help?
His school counselor
Yes. If you are concerned about possible suicide, tell a trusted adult even if your friend asks you not to.
Why is it important to pay attention to major changes in someone's behavior, even if they haven't directly mentioned suicide?
Changes may signal that someone is struggling and needs support, even if they haven't explained what is wrong
Your friend tells you they have been thinking about suicide. Put these actions in order: tell a trusted adult, listen with care, recognize the warning sign
True or false: if someone has good grades, laughs with friends, and seems happy sometimes, they cannot be struggling with depression
False. People may hide their struggles or have good moments while still needing support
Name one thing Connor did that helped him begin feeling better
He talked to a trusted adult, started therapy, was more honest about his feelings, and tried to focus on activities he loved such as music, guitar, and theater
What can you do if you are worried about a friend and don't know who to go to for help?
Use Safe2Tell to submit an anonymous report about your concerns
A friend jokes about suicide, then says, "I'm kidding, don't worry about it." Should you dismiss it? Why or why not?
No. Talk about suicide should always be taken seriously, even when someone says they were joking. Tell a trusted adult
Your friend says, "Promise you won't tell anyone, but I've been thinking about suicide." What is the best response and why?
Be caring, explain that you cannot keep this secret because their safety matters and tell a trusted adult.
How are sadness and depression different?
Sadness is a common part of life for everyone and is usually a temporary feeling caused by circumstances that eventually goes away, depression lasts for two weeks or longer, affects the mind and body, can get better with treatment
What is one important lesson from Connor's story about asking for help?
Talking to someone and getting professional support can help. People do not have to face depression or suicidal thoughts alone, and recovery is possible
Name two ways to get help if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thougts
Tell a trusted adult, call or text 988 or Colorado Crisis Hotline