Recognizing Student Depression

1.

Mandy is a 17 year-old senior at San Bernardino High School. This is her first semester at the new high school and she is having difficulty adjusting to her new environment . In fact, she doesn’t feel like her normal self and, upon visiting old friends last weekend, they noticed a distinct change in her mood. What are some possible signs that Mandy may be suffering from depression?

A.

She does not feel like eating as much as she normally does.
B.

She cannot keep her mind focused on her lectures.
C.

She overreacts to things.
D.

All of the above
E.

A & B Only

Correct Answer
D. All of the above

2.

LaShonda is a 19 year-old student who has been feeling sad lately. Things just haven’t been going her way. In fact, she told her friend, Rebecca, “I can’t stand it anymore. I’d just be better off dead.” What should Rebecca do?

A.

Help LaShonda find a way to kill herself that won’t be too painful.
B.

Change the subject so LaShonda stops talking about death.
C.

Express her concern for LaShonda and find a trusted adult or professional whom LaShonda can talk to about her feelings.
D.

Listen to LaShonda and hope things work out for the best.

Correct Answer
C. Express her concern for LaShonda and find a trusted adult or professional whom LaShonda can talk to about her feelings.

Explanation
When a friend talks about ending his or her life, it’s not something that should be taken lightly. Rebecca should listen carefully to LaShonda and provide her with support. However, she should also take the next step by asking LaShonda if she would be willing to talk to an adult who could be of help such as Counseling Services from a professional, professor, minister or her [Rebecca or LaShonda’s] parents.

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3.

Adolescents and young adults don’t commit suicide as often as the media would lead people to believe.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide was the third leading cause of death among children (aged 10 – 14), adolescents (ages 15 – 19) and young adults (ages 20 – 24) in 2014. More detailed information can be found on the American Association of Suicidology website.

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4.

Which of the following are risk factors for teenage suicide?

A.

Stressful situations (e.g., breaking up with a boyfriend/girlfriend)
B.

Depression and/or substance abuse
C.

Exposure to other teenagers who have committed suicide
D.

All of the above
E.

A & b only

Correct Answer
D. All of the above

Explanation
According to the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, stressful life events oftentimes precipitate extreme reactions in adolescents and young adults including suicide attempts and completions. Individuals who have been struggling with depression are quite vulnerable especially if they abuse alcohol or drugs as this lowers inhibitions and fuels poor decision-making resulting in deadly consequences. In some cases, teenagers and college students commit suicide after friends have killed themselves as they cannot bear the thought of living life without their closest friends. ULifeline is an excellent online resource center for students pertaining to mental health issues and includes suicide prevention information.

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5.

Taking antidepressant medication is the best way to treat depression.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
Although antidepressant medication is oftentimes an important component in the treatment of depression, research has shown that a combination of counseling + antidepressant medication is the most effective treatment option.

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6.

Typically, an attentive student, lately 16 year-old Juan has been unkempt, late for class, and has a markedly diminished interest in class subjects. Also, Juan seems to have lost a lot of weight and he seems to have lost interest in his classmates. Juan may be suffering from:

A.

Anxiety
B.

Peer pressure to perform well in school
C.

Major Depression
D.

Gender dysphoria

Correct Answer
C. Major Depression