YouthNoise | Top 10: Things You Shouldn't Do


		• The Issue: Suicide • Factoids: Teen Suicide • True Story: Suicidal No More • Top 10: Things You Shouldn't Do • Quiz: Do You Know How to Help? • Be the Solution: Suicide Prevention

Top 10 Things You Shouldn't Do if Someone You Know is Depressed

Don't blow them off.
Assume they are serious if they have told you they can't seem to get out of the depressed state they're in.

Don't talk. Just listen.
You may have a lot to share, but they need to talk more than you do.

Don't talk behind their backs.
The worst thing a person who is already depressed could find out is that everyone knows what they're going through...because you spilled.

Top 10

Don't engage in destructive behavior with them.
It's true what they say about misery loving company -- don't scarf two pizzas and two banana splits, thinking it'll make you feel better. Don't drink or get high with someone who is drowning their sorrows. Don't buy for them or hide anything for them either.

Don't make light of the situation.
Try to make them feel better, yes. But don't tell them it's just temporary or just a phase. Suggest professional help.

Don't join the pity party.
Resist the urge to talk about your lack of funds or your rejection letter from your dream school. You don't want to add fuel to someone else's fire.

Don't cover for them.
If someone else has noticed their unusual or depressed behavior -- missing class or practice, sleeping a lot -- tell them what you know.

Don't judge.
Not being able to find a date for the prom may not be a big deal to you, but it could be HUGE to someone else.

Don't leave them alone.
If you think things are serious, stay -- unless you are putting yourself in danger.

Don't wait.
If someone has told you about their depression and maybe even their plans to do something harmful to themselves -- do something. Follow your gut and call 911 if you think it's an emergency. If not, tell an adult as soon as you can.



		Check out these features for more facts on suicide and to find out what you could do to get help or help someone you know. • Every 100 Minutes: How often another teenager commits suicide. • Suicidal No More: One NOISEmaker shares how she went to the edge and back. • Teen Suicide Quiz: Do You Know How to Help? • Suicide: Myth vs. Reality: Find out what's true and what's bogus. • There is something that can prevent suicide. You. Find out what we mean... Be the Solution: Suicide Prevention.

--By Laura "LauraNOISE" Merritt and Heather Keets Wright