Myth or Fact?
Teenagers don't get depressed, they can just be moody at times.
Myth
If a friend has lost a loved one, they are ______ to be at risk for depression and/or suicide.
a. more likely
b. less likely
a. more likely
Which of the following is NOT a warning sign of suicide:
a. Loss of interest in hobbies
b. Threats like saying "I won't be around much longer"
c. Trying out for a new sport
d. Feelings of self-hatred and shame
c. Trying out for a new sport
Name 3 types of trusted adults you could go to with a friend that needs help.
Teacher, coach, nurse, counselor, therapist, staff member, parent, adult family member, etc.
Fact
Teenagers who use alcohol and illegal drugs are ______ to be at risk for depression and/or suicide.
a. more likely
b. less likely
a. more likely
How would you define "warning signs of suicide?"
a. When you notice someone has been acting weird for the last couple of days
b. When you notice visible changes, behaviors or comments that someone is thinking about suicide
c. When you notice someone is crying because they got a D on their history test
d. When you notice someone talking to the counselor at lunch
b. When you notice visible changes, behaviors or comments that someone is thinking about suicide
A friend tells you that they're struggling with depression and you immediately ACT. What does ACT stand for in detail?
Acknowledge that your friend has a problem
Care for them by listening and being supportive
Tell a trusted adult
Almost everyone who dies by suicide has given some type of warning or clue.
Fact
If a friend tells you to keep their suicidal thoughts a secret, you should:
a. Follow their wishes, you don't want them to be mad at you.
b. Tell a trusted adult. Their safety is more important.
b. Tell a trusted adult.
What is NOT and example of a suicidal threat?
a. Someone saying "I won't be around much longer"
b. A friend saying they want to take a bunch of pills to forgot about everything wrong in their life
c. Someone giving away the possessions they care most about
d. A friend saying that they're excited for high school
d. A friend saying that they're excited for high school
A friend who recently lost her father tells you that she doesn't think life is worth living anymore. When you suggest talking to a trusted adult, she gets angry and refuses, making you promise not to tell anyone. What should you do?
Since your friend is making suicidal threats, you need to follow ACT. They might get angry with you but it is better to have a friend safe and getting the help that they need.
There is no way to treat depression.
Myth
You notice your friend has been skipping practice and doesn't care about their school anymore. You should:
a. Text another student on the team. You need to vent because your friend is annoying you.
b. Tell your friend you're worried about them. You want to be supportative.
b. Tell your friend you are worried about them.
What would you do if you are worried about a friend but no one else seems to notice anything to be concerned about?
a. Agree with everyone else, you're just imagining it
b. Post your concerns on Facebook and Twitter
c. Talk to them and let them know you are worried
d. Ignore it and focus on different friends
c. Talk to them and let them know you are worried
You're hanging out in your friend's room, when you notice a small handgun inside of his open dresser drawer. It seems weird but you decide to forget about it. As the weeks go by, you notice he's getting into a lot of trouble at school and was caught stealing a video game from the mall. When you ask him what's been going on lately, he gets annoyed and states "Why should you care what I do? It's not like it will even matter in a couple of days." You get frustrated and leave him alone. Following ACT how should you have responded?
Acknowledge your friend has a problem and needs help.
Care for them by listening and being supportive.
Tell a trusted adult.