Skip to main content
Pepperdine | Community

Depression

Identifying Depression and Suicide Ideation

Depression is NOT a sign of personal weakness. People with depressive symptoms cannot merely "pull themselves together." Timely treatment can shorten the duration of symptoms and cut off the downward spiral. It is also critical to understand the link between mental and physical health and how one impacts the other. You are not alone. The Counseling Center provides free consultation and counseling to students, or they can refer you to an outside professional.

 

Depression sometimes follows:

  • Significant events – death, divorce, abuse, transitions/life changes, loss of romantic relationship/ friendship – Now what? Who am I?
  • Stress/Pressure – Academic, Personal, Financial
  • Injury – short or long term. Other medical conditions
  • Identity as a person – too much of their identity is tied to being an "athlete"
  • Failure to live up to personal or external expectations
  • Problems with friends/roommates
  • Substance abuse (individuals may choose to cope by using alcohol or other drugs)

 

Suicide sometimes follows:

  • A sudden lift in spirits following extreme depression
  • Talking about suicide; previous attempts
  • Physical or psychological abuse
  • Fight with family member or loved one
  • Embarrassment or humiliation
  • Concerns about sexuality – social isolation/alienation
  • Suicide of friend, acquaintance or celebrity (copycat suicide)

 

Also look for:

  • Frequency, duration and intensity/severity of symptoms. The higher the number of signs the stronger the case to refer the person to a professional.
  • Emotional, cognitive, and behavioral changes: feeling that nothing matters; lack of enthusiasm motivation, sad, withdrawn, tired, apathetic, pessimistic, anxious, irritable, distracted, forgetful, difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt; impulsive acts; reckless behavior; mood swings.
  • Neglect of personal welfare; deteriorating physical appearance. Significant weight gain or loss.
  • Changes in eating and sleeping habits.
  • No longer enjoying activities they once liked.
  • Feeling misunderstood or rejected.
  • Frequent health complaints when no physical ailment exists.
  • Obsessive thoughts; All or nothing thinking.
  • Marked decrease in performance academically or athletically.
  • Self-mutilation.
  • Giving away possessions.
  • Lack of coping skills.

 

Ways to Step UP!

  1. LISTEN.
  2. Take it seriously. Remember – depressive/suicidal behavior is a cry for help.
  3. Speak with the individuals in private. Voice your concern - let them know you care.
  4. Do what you can to give the person HOPE.
  5. Encourage the individuals to get help. It is NOT a sign of weakness to ask for help. In fact, it is a sign of STRENGTH. Offer to go with them to counseling.
  6. Seek out a mature and compassionate person with whom you can review the situation.
  7. Use the QPR Method – Question (about whether the individuals plan to harm themselves; Persuade (not to harm themselves) and Refer (to a professional).
  8. If suicidal, create a "safety agreement" to not harm themselves.
  9. If suicidal, call 9-1-1: let the individuals know that you will be contacting 9-1-1. Do not leave him or her alone. Engage other bystanders if need be.
  10. If the individuals say they are going to take their own life, find out their intentions in terms of how they plan on doing it. This gives insights about risks to others, as well as more time and information to plan an intervention. Get as much information as possible.
  11. Notice actions/behaviors. Be observant of any medication bottles that may be present; note other important information.
  12. Separate the individuals from any weapons or firearms if possible.
  13. Be aware of difficult times: holidays, birthdays, major anniversary dates

 

What not to do:

  • Don't assume the problem will take care of itself.
  • Don't act shocked or surprised at what the person says.
  • Don't argue or debate moral issues.
  • Don't challenge or dare the person.

 

A Word of Caution

You may do your very best to help someone who is depressed or suicidal and your intervention may not be successful. It is a risk that you need to consider before becoming involved. Be sure to take care of yourself in these situations and get any help that you may need.

 

Resources

Handouts

 

Local

  • 9-1-1
  • Pepperdine Department of Public Safety
    • Emergency - 310 506 4441
    • Non-emergency - 310 506 4442
  • Report via LiveSafe App
    • Downloadable for Android and iPhone - App Store
    • Anonymous option available
  • Counseling Center
  • Dean of Students
  • Coaches/Athletic Trainer
  • Resident Director or Resident Assistant

 

National

 

The University of Arizona C.A.T.S. Life Skills Program, along with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and national leading experts, has developed Step UP! Be a Leader, Make a Difference.