1 Suicide Prevention For Youth Presented by the Wyoming Suicide Prevention Task Force

2 “It was on the last day of school when I tried to commit suicide. It was totally unexpected. The day before the kids were really teasing me, so I went up the tree I always used to climb. I tied a rope from its highest branch and then tied a noose around my neck... Mom caught me. She stopped me so I wouldn’t choke to death.” -Brandon Fletcher, suicide attempt survivor at age 12

3 SUICIDE IS PREVENTABLE About half of the youth who survive a suicide attempt will try again. The strongest predictor of youth suicide is a previous attempt. YOUR HELP IS NEEDED BECAUSE SUICIDE AFFECTS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US. SAVING ONE LIFE

4 Overview of U. S. Suicide in the General Population 1.2% of all deaths are suicides 80 suicides per day –30,000 suicides per year 2,000 suicide attempts per day –730,000 suicide attempts per year

5 Overview of U. S. Suicide in the General Population Suicide is 11th leading cause of death 1.7 suicides for every homicide in America Twice as many die from suicide as from HIV/AIDS One out of every 62 Americans is a suicide attempt survivor

6 Overview of U. S. Suicide in the General Population Males die by suicide more often than females (4:1) –73% of suicide victims are white males. Females attempt suicide more often than males (3:1)

7 National Youth Suicide Facts In 2000, 3 million students age 12 to 17 reported seriously considering suicide in the past year –37% of these students reported attempting suicide in the past year More teens and young adults die from suicide than from all other diseases combined

8 Wyoming General Population Statistics State suicide rate in 2002 was 21/100,000 –106 Wyoming citizens died by suicide Wyoming currently ranks first in the nation in the rate of suicide (2002). The suicide rate in the Mountain states consistently ranks the highest in the nation.

9 Wyoming Youth Statistics Suicide is the 2 nd leading cause of death among youth ages in Wyoming. 23% of all suicides in Wyoming in 2002 were among youth, age Wyoming’s rate of suicide among youth age is 32 per 100,000 population of that age group. The national rate is about 10.

10 Wyoming Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2003 One of every 6 middle school students surveyed have ever made a plan to kill themselves. One of every 6 high school students surveyed made a plan to kill themselves within the last 12 months. About 1 in 10 high school students have attempted suicide in the past 12 months.

11 Wyoming Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2003 About 1 of every 3 high school students surveyed reported that during the past 12 months, they felt so sad and hopeless every day for 2 weeks or more that they stopped doing some usual activities.

12 Suicide Among Youth Most suicide attempts among youth occur in the afternoon or early evening in the teen’s home. Most youth suicide attempts are preceded by interpersonal conflicts. Repeat attempters use their behavior as a way to cope with stressors in their life.

13 Suicide Among Youth Over half of teens who die by suicide abuse substances. Three of four teens who are aware of another’s suicidal thoughts do not tell an adult.

14 Suicide and Mental Illness 90% of people who die by suicide suffer from a mental illness.

15 Nature of Mental Illness

16 Mental Illness Nearly half of Americans will suffer from one or more mental illnesses during their lifetime One of every 3 Americans will experience an episode of mental illness each year

17 What is Mental Illness? A variety of medical conditions involving disorders of thoughts and/or emotions Chemical imbalance in the brain Family history of mental illness and stressful life events can be contributing factors Effective treatments are available

18 Signs of Depression Withdrawal from family and friends Loss of interest in usual activities Sudden changes in eating, appearance, or behavior patterns Sleeping all the time or not sleeping at all Secretive behavior Dramatic change in friends Death and suicidal themes appearing in artwork, writing, or school work

19 Signs of Depression Increased irritability, restlessness or agitation Persistent sadness Frequent physical complaints such as headaches and stomachaches Lack of enthusiasm or motivation Over-reaction or criticism

20 Everyone feels low or down at times. When sad feelings persist and begin to interfere with the ability to function in daily life, it could be depression Suicide can occur when emotional pain is not tolerable.

21 Suicide Risk Factors Prior suicide attempt History of physical or sexual abuse Mental illness Impulsivity Exposure to suicide in family or friends

22 Suicide Risk Factors Recent severe stressor (e.g., school failure, real or imagined loss, unplanned pregnancy, or sexual orientation issues) Family loss, instability or severe conflict Alcohol and/or drug abuse or intoxication Access to lethal means

23 Suicide Risk Factors Giving away valued possessions Suicide threats and statements (“I won’t be around here much longer”) Making a suicide plan

24 Myths and Facts Myth: People who attempt suicide rarely actually reach out or give clues to others about their state of mind. Fact: People who commit suicide often do give a clue or warning of their intentions. HOWEVER, anywhere from 5% - 50% of school age youth who die by suicide do not give consistent warning signals.

25 Myths and Facts Myth: The suicidal person wants to die and feels there is no turning back. Fact: Suicidal persons often do not want to die but see no other way to end their pain.

26 Myths and Facts Myth: Persons who experience an episode of suicidal thinking tend to remain in this state of mind forever. Fact: Suicidal thinking is often a relatively brief reaction to circumstances. Over time, individuals can learn to deal more effectively with life’s challenges.

27 Myths and Facts Myth: If you ask a person directly, “Do you feel like killing yourself?” this will lead to a suicide attempt. Fact: Asking a person directly about suicidal intent will often relieve the anxiety surrounding the feeling and act as a deterrent to the suicidal behavior.

28 Myth and Facts Myth: Talking about suicide and self- destructive behavior is just a bid for attention and should be ignored. Fact: Suicidal talk and self-destructive behavior are serious and can be lethal. Anyone who behaves self-destructively could benefit from professional help.

29 Myths and Facts Myth: Feeling better after a suicidal crisis means that the suicidal risk is over. Fact: When a suicidal person begins to feel better, he/she may have made the decision to die and is no longer struggling with the pressures of living. Even if the person has decided to live, he/she will still be confronted with problems and responsibilities. A supportive relationship during and after a crisis is critical to the healing process.

30 Myths and Facts Myth: Only mental health professionals can prevent suicide. Fact: Intervention by family and friends can be an important and significant part of suicide prevention.

31 What Can You Do? Listen to the individual –Encourage the person to share their feelings –Know and look for suicide risk factors Talk with the person about your concerns –Tell them you care and want to help –Speak with care and compassion –Ask directly about thoughts of suicide

32 What Can You Do? Take reports of suicidal ideation seriously Contact a reliable family member or close friend Get professional help –Even if the person resists, call 911 if necessary –Offer to take them to the emergency room or a mental health professional –Offer to help them schedule an appointment –Follow-up to make sure the person is getting help

33 What Can You Do? Don’t leave them alone Be calm - don’t act shocked or be judgmental Don’t swear to keep it a secret Don’t try to counsel the person Limit access to firearms and other means of suicide

34 What Can You Say? I’ve noticed you’re feeling upset What’s going on in your life? Are you thinking about suicide? What do you think might help? Where would you like to seek help? Why don’t we make the call together? I’m not going to feel comfortable without being sure you’re going to get some help.

35 Where To Seek Help A trusted adult School Personnel Mental Health Professionals Physicians/Nurses Other health care professionals 911/Law Enforcement

36 Does Suicide Prevention Education Work? “ The most important task is to become informed in order to get beyond our fears so that we act effectively if a crisis arises. We must be knowledgeable about the warning signs that 75% of suicidal persons present. We must know where to get help for the person in crisis. And, we need to know what we can do to help. Former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher, M.D.

37 Questions?