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.