Some symptoms of depression

- Feeling unusually sad or irritable

- Loss of enjoyment and interest in activities that used to be enjoyable

- Lack of energy and tiredness

- Feeling hopeless

- Feeling worthless or feeling unnecessarily guilty

- Thinking about death or dying

- Talking or writing about suicide

- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions

- Lethargy

- Difficulty sleeping

Warning signs of suicidal behaviour:

- Hopelessness or despair

- Withdrawal from family

- Withdrawal from friends and usual social activities

- Neglect of personal appearance

- Persistent self-deprecating comments

- Preoccupation with death or with people who have died from suicide

- Suicide or death as the theme of conversation or artwork

- Giving away valued possessions

- Depression, also including loss of interest in usual activities, changes in sleep patterns, crying, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, hopelessness

Where to get more information:

Canadian Red Cross Youth Suicide Prevention:
http://www.youthsuicide.ca

Canadian Mental Health Association: www.cmha.ca

Youth Beyond Blue: A Youth Depression Awareness:
www.youthbeyondblue.com

Life is Precious: multiple resources and helpful links:
http://www.lifeinsurancequote.net/reminding-loved-ones-that-life-is-precious-suicide-prevention-resources/ *

What to do if you feel suicidal:

- Tell a relative, friend, clergy, counsellor or any person you feel you can talk to and who will help you.

- Make an appointment with a doctor and, if necessary, get a referral to a psychiatrist or other health professional.

- If you feel you cannot talk to anyone, or if no one is available, phone a crisis line. Visit the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention website (www.suicideprevention.ca) for a link to distress centres across Canada.

Suicide and Crisis Line: 1-800-448-3000

Kids Help Line
Kids Help Phone is there 24 hours a day 7 days a week for kids in need of help and hope. Website: http://www.kidshelpphone.ca Phone Number: 1-800-668-6868

* Thank you Samantha and Ms. Smith’s Grade 10 Health Class for an excellent addition to our suicide prevention page.