I spend the first four weeks of health education class teaching about mental and emotional health. We cover a lot of topics, but they’re all geared around helping the students get to know one another, clarify their own values and look out for one another. One of the big things we address in this unit is teen suicide. I always tell students to take any warning signs of suicide seriously, and to tell an adult if they notice that someone around them is struggling.

One resource I like to use for teaching about depression and suicide is a video called “More Than Sad” produced by the American Society for Suicide Prevention. As you can see from the clips below, it provides a realistic look at this serious issue, and it encourages young people to seek help if they’re feeling depressed or anxious. It also puts a strong emphasis on the fact that depression is treatable, but that it doesn’t usually go away on its own.

In the fact sheet for teens that accompanies the film, the organization spells out the facts:

“Depression is more than sadness.

Depression is an illness with a biological basis. People who are depressed feel “down in the dumps” and are not interested in the activities they usually enjoy.

Other symptoms that a depressed teen may experience include:
• feeling more irritable or angry than usual
• losing or gaining a significant amount of weight (not due to diet) or dramatic
change in appetite
• having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• physical feelings of either restlessness or being slow, sluggish
• not having any energy
• feeling worthless or guilty (with no clear cause)
• not being able to concentrate or make decisions
• thinking about wanting to end your life

If you experience at least five of these symptoms most of the day for at least two weeks, you may be depressed.
Talk to your parent(s), a trusted adult, or your doctor immediately — don’t wait!!”

Teachers, be sure you know your resources before showing this to students. I’ve had more than one student burst into tears when they recognized themselves in this film. I like to follow it up by sharing some information about our local suicide prevention organization, and then doing some activities designed to build up students’ self esteem and their sense of connection to the people who love them.