SUICIDE PREVENTION & MENTAL ILLNESS END THE STIGMA

GOALS: Know the facts Recognize risk factors Understand mental illness Know warning signs What treatment is available? How you can help a friend or yourself?

REVIEWING THE FACTS ON DEATHS BY SUICIDE

MORE FACTS… Females attempt 3x more often than males Attempts are 2-6x more frequent among youth who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual, than among heterosexual youth 8% of high school students report having attempted suicide 90% of those who die by suicide have a mental disorder Based on a 2011 survey of high school students, Hispanic female students reported attempting suicide more times than any other ethnic group Among youth who were bullied during high school, suicidal ideation and behavior was later identified only in those who had shown symptoms of depression at the time the bullying occurred (Klomek et. Al, 2011) Being bullied does not appear to be directly related to suicidal behavior in youth

SUICIDE RISK FACTORS Family Family history of mental illness Race Gender Abuse Major family conflict Anniversary of a loss

RISK FACTORS… Personal/ Behavioral Recent loss Abandonment Divorce Previous attempt MENTAL ILLNESS Substance abuse Poor coping/ social skills Isolation/Rejection Relationship break up Increased substance use

Environmental/ Social Inconsistent/ neglectful/ abusive parenting Sexual orientation Repeated loss Chronic stress Ongoing harassment Access to lethal means Bullying/ Harrassment Loss of freedom RISK FACTORS…

UNDERSTANDING MENTAL ILLNESS Mental or behavioral pattern that causes either suffering or a poor ability to function in ordinary life

MENTAL ILLNESS FACTS The key risk factor for all age groups is an undiagnosed or untreated or ineffectively treated mental disorder In teens, suicide risk is most clearly linked to 7 mental disorders often with overlapping symptoms: Major depressive disorder: pervasive and persistent low mood that is accompanied by low self-esteem and by a loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities Bipolor disorder: periods of elevated mood and periods of depression (frequent highs and lows)

Generalized anxiety disorder: excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry, that is, apprehensive expectation about events or activities Substance use disorders: a condition in which the use of one or more substances leads to a clinically significant impairment or distress Conduct disorders: diagnosed in childhood or adolescence that presents itself through a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate norms are violated Eating disorders: abnormal eating habits that negatively affect a person's physical or mental health Schizophrenia: abnormal social behavior and failure to recognize what is real -Definitions from Wikipedia

WARNING SIGNS Risk factors endure over some period of time while warning signs signal IMMINENT SUICIDE RISK

WARNING SIGNS Direct and indirect verbal expressions: “I don’t want to live anymore,” “there is nothing to live for,” “people will be better off without me” Dramatic changes in mood Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities Agitation Increase in drug and alcohol use Risk taking behavior Aggressive, impulsive and/or violent acts Lack of self care /neglect of self Changes in eating and sleeping patterns Withdrawal from family, friends, and interests Giving away prize possessions and/or making a will Reconnecting with old friends and extended family as if to say goodbye Expressions of hopelessness and helplessness

CLEAR WARNING SIGNS… Looking for ways to take ones life Talking or writing about suicide Talking or writing about death in a way that suggests concern

TREATMENT No single approach or medication works for all Studies show that 80% of depressed people can be effectively treated Mental disorders can recur, even if effectively treated at one point in time On-going monitoring by a mental health professional is advised Some depressed teens show improvement in 4-6 weeks with psychotherapy alone Supplemental interventions: exercise, yoga, breathing exercises, changes in diet- improve mood, relieve anxiety and reduce stress that contribute to depression

HOW CAN I HELP A FRIEND?

LOOK for changes in behavior LISTEN for warning signs LINK to a trusted adult

SELF CARE Enjoy life Eat healthy Be inspired Participate in physical activity Plan your free time Find your spiritual life (your beliefs on what is important) Good sleep

ARE YOU TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF… (WORKSHEET)

RESOURCES: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1(800) 273- TALK (8255) American Foundation for Suicide Prevention New Mexico Crisis and Access Line 1(855) NMCRISIS ( ) National Alliance on Mental Illness

CREDITS Presentation adapted from… American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, “More than Sad” Youth Suicide Prevention Program Curriculum, WA: Look, Listen, Link National Alliance on Mental Illness Worksheet from 2012 Whole Person Associates