WORKSHOP OUTLINE FOR STUDENTS

In workshops with school aged youth, the presenter's focus is on the signs and symptoms of depression; taking away the stigma of having a mental illness, and thereby promoting help-seeking behaviors. Help-seeking behaviors are paramount to this age group. They know their feelings and can usually identify them, when discussed with a mental health care worker, physician, trusted adult, guidance counselor etc.

The presenters tell the story of Adam's death by suicide to demonstrate that depression is a medical disease and not a choice. By putting a face and personal reflections to suicide, it no longer is seen as an irrational act by some “crazy” person. The students usually identify with some parts of the story, and sometimes begin to identify those characteristics in themselves. In all the schools that we have visited, there is always at least one or two students who disclose that they think they are depressed or have had or are now having thoughts of suicide. Sometimes the students will talk to me. Other times the guidance counselor. It is very important that a trusted teacher, peer helper or guidance counselor be available for immediate debriefing.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

•  Feeling sad, empty, tired or numb

•  Feeling tired all the time

•  Feeling hopeless, helpless or worthless

•  Feeling angry or moody, excessive crying

•  Sleeping more than usual

•  Avoiding friends; feeling alone when with friends

•  Loss of interest in things that used to be fun

•  Eating less or more than usual

•  Recurring headaches, backaches or stomachaches

•  Alcohol or drug abuse

•  Thinking about, planning or attempting suicide.

•  Risk taking behaviors: slashing, drinking and driving, games of risk - race with a train.

The presenters prefer to create a dialogue with the students, rather than doing a monologue. They will start with some suicide statistics. In Manitoba someone dies by suicide every other day. In Canada there are 11 suicides and 1.2 homicides a day. Globally, someone dies by suicide every FORTY SECONDS (World Health Organization) . The presenter then quizzes the students about myths and facts of depression and suicidal behaviors. At first students are reluctant, but in most cases when one student speaks out, others follow. We try to relate the symptoms of depression to their every day behaviors. For example, what does feeling sad, empty or tired mean? The Presenter has printed material and pamphlets to give out to students which reiterates what has been talked about. Each student receives a “Promise for Tomorrow” card. On a business sized card that easily fits into a wallet or pocket, The Promise for Tomorrow says:” I promise to be here for my friends. I will watch for any behavior that concerns me and I will talk, listen and respond. The flip side of the card has the warning signs of suicide and Winnipeg's Klinic 24 hour crisis number 204- 786-8686.

To recap, our goals are to impart knowledge of depression, reduce stigma and promote help-seeking behaviors. If a peer helper system is not in place at the school we encourage the students and teachers to start one. Peer helpers are “elected” by the students themselves. Each student writes down one or two names of someone he/she feels comfortable in approaching for help in any problem. Once chosen, the helpers meet as a team and are briefed in listening skills, and various responses on what to do in problematic situations. The peer helpers are usually led by the guidance counselor. We also encourage the class and teachers to act on what they have learned. It could be a project for life skills, or poetry in English, drawing or any form of self expression. The project could also be a collaborative effort by the entire school, elementary students too. The theme for a day or two could be “What do you do to keep mentally fit?”. Do you exercise or participate in sports? Do you know how to express your feelings in an appropriate manner? Etc.

The evening session has the same basic goals, but more emphasis is put on suicide, the warning signs, implications and affect on community and family. What can be done in your community to help reduce suicide? How do you react when your child, student, client tells you he or she is feeling depressed or suicidal?

We hope this outline gives you an idea of what we hope to achieve. Every session is different because every class, group is unique. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.

Yours truly,

Marlene Potash BSW
Chairperson/Director
SPEAK