CHAPTER -12

“DEPRESSION AND
SUICIDE TENDENCY
MORAL SCIENCE
CLASS - VIII
SUMMARY

Due to sudden emotional and physical growth the teenagers are in a constant struggle with
their evolving personality. They distance themselves from parents and feel more
comfortable with peer groups. Teen struggle for their identity and self-image. Some
teens worry about their relationships, wondering if their feelings and attractions are
normal or if they will be loved and accepted. Some teens struggle with body image and
sleeping and eating problems. They try to compare themselves with models and try to
imitate them. Some teens have learning or attention problems that make it hard for them
to succeed in school. Most of these pressures are unavoidable.
Some of these problems can lead to mental health problems and if they go on too long
without support it can lead to depression (it is a state of mind where person feel sad,
irritable, angry and lose hope of leading a normal life). Some teens had that feelings that
no one understands them. Sometimes the grief is caused by sudden death of a dear one
and they are not able to cope up with life thereafter.
Some teens resort to cutting and self injury or other suicidal activities when they find it
difficult to bear the stress. Some teens develops eating disorders which eventually harm
their body.
HELPING A DEPRESSED FRIEND

Depressed teens typically rely on their friends more than on their parents or other adults in their lives. So you may find yourself in the
position of being the first or the only person with whom they share their feelings. While this might seem like a huge responsibility,
there are many things you can do to help.

1. Get your friend to talk to you.

2. Know that your friend doesn’t expect you to have the answers.

3. Encourage your friend to get help.

4. Stick with your friend through the hard times.

5. Speak up if your friend is suicidal. Communicate the same to a trusted adult immediately.

FIGHTING DEPRESSION

When you are under depression you may feel that there is no way out or any solution to your problems. But be assured that there are

answers to all your problems. You should know that you are not only the first teenager to undergo such problems. The best way to get

through it without becoming down is by staying connected to family, friends, school, faith and other support networks. Eating nutritious

food, regular exercise, engaging in sports and games, reading interesting stories, taking enough rest and sleep can help a lot in fighting

depression.

TAKING PROFESSIONAL HELP FROM THERAPIST OR COUNSELLAR

In spite of your best efforts or help from parents or teachers if you still face problems then you may need the help of a therapist. Mental

health problems are real, painful and can be severe. They can lead to school failure, loss of friends, or family conflict. Through therapy,

people discover ways to overcome difficulties, develop inner strengths or skills, or make changes in themselves or their situations. It also

help past wounds and hangs-ups. In short, therapy offers people support when they are going through difficult times.
ASSIGNMENT ANSWERS (DO IN YOUR COPY)

Q1. Fill in the blanks:-

a. The new world of adults marked by stress and tension.
b. Most of these pressures are unavoidable and worrying about them is natural.
c. Teenagers distance themselves from parents and feel more comfortable with peer groups.

Q2. State whether the statements are true or false:-

a. Therapy offers people support when they are going through difficult times.- True
b. Mental health problems are real, painful and cannot be severe.- False

Q3. Multiple Choice Questions:-

a. If your friend is suicidal-
i) Suggest your friend self- medication.
ii) Communicate the same to a trusted adult immediately. (Correct)
iii) Not discuss with any body.
iv) None of the above
b. The best way to get through depression is-
i) Stay connected to family and friends
ii) Eat nutritious food
iii) Regular exercise
iv) All of these (Correct)

Q4. Answer the following questions:-

a. Define the following:-
i) Depression:- Depression is a state of mind where you feel sad, irritable, angry and lose hope of leading a
normal life. You get a feeling that no one understands you. Depressive symptoms can include lack of
energy, feeling worthless, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts.
ii) Bipolar:- Bipolar disorder can cause your mood to swing from an extreme high to an extreme low. Manic
symptoms can include increased energy, excitement, impulsive behavior and agitation.

b. How can you help a friend with depression?

Ans b. There are many things you can do to help:-
1. Get your friend to talk to you.
2. Know that your friend doesn’t expect you to have the answers.
3. Encourage your friend to get help.
4. Stick with your friend through the hard times.
5. Speak up if your friend is suicidal. Communicate the same to a trusted adult immediately.
c. How can we overcome depression?
Ans c. the following are the things that help a lot in fighting depression:-
1. Staying connected to family, friends, school, faith and other support networks.
2. Eating nutritious food
3. Regular exercise
4. Engaging in sports and games, reading interesting stories
5. Taking enough rest and sleep.

d. How therapist or counsellor play an important role to overcome depression?

Ans d. Through therapy, people discover ways to overcome difficulties, develop inner strengths
or skills, or make changes in themselves or their situations. It also help past wounds and
hangs-ups. In short, therapy offers people support when they are going through difficult
times.

e. How can you help depressed person to regain self- worth and confidence.
Ans e. You can help depressed person to regain self- worth and confidence by supportive
presence, genuine affection and understanding.