How to Recognize a Scout in Crisis Presented by: Kelly Chatwood, MPH King County Field Coordinator Youth Suicide Prevention Program of Washington State

Stress: what is it? The way your mind and body react to change, challenges and threats Not all stress is bad When ordinary stress becomes too much = distress

Sources of stress: School demands Negative thoughts and feelings Changes in body Problems with friends Separation or divorce Trouble with siblings or parents Injury or illness Death of a loved one Taking on too many activities Too high expectations

Washington State 8 th grade data: 35% felt that they were not able to successfully deal with “life hassles” 30% felt that they were not able to effectively cope with important changes that occur in their life

Signs & symptoms of stress: Tension, worry, frustration, Sadness, withdrawal Reduced school performance Disillusionment Angry Extreme behaviors

Stress management skills: Avoid alcohol & drugs, including tobacco Decrease negative self-talk Eliminate excess caffeine intake Exercise, eat & sleep regularly Build a network of friends Learn to feel good about a competent job Learn relaxation skills Learn practical coping skills

Relaxation Skills Closing eyes and visualizing a pleasant/comforting place [beach in Hawaii or cabin in the mountains] Listening to music Deep breathing Drawing Writing in a journal Exercise

How Adolescents Cope: Problem solving – changing the situation or getting rid of the problem Managing emotions – handling thoughts & feelings caused by the problem Tolerating distress

What Adults Can Do Listen & watch: 3 strategies - teens talk it out, act it out, or keep it in Avoid comments that minimize problems Offer reassurance & support Model specific skills, like distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation Know the signs & symptoms for depression and suicide Monitor your own stress and be willing to seek professional help if you need it

Depression: the facts One in every 33 children may have depression The rate of depression for adolescents may be as high as 1 in 8 The majority of children and adolescents with depression do not get help they need Depression can lead to school failure, alcohol/drug use, and suicide

Washington State Facts: 39% of Washington State 6 th graders reported feeling “depression or sad MOST days in the past year” Among Washington State 8 th graders, 1 student out of five considered suicide in the previous year, while 1 out of 10 reported having attempted suicide Over 30% of Washington State 10 th graders indicated that they sometimes think, “life is not worth it”

Depression: the signs Irritability Persistent feelings of sadness A drop in school performance Problems with authority Change in appearance Indecision, lack of concentration Poor self-esteem Overreaction to criticism Frequent physical complaints

Youth Suicide: The Facts An average of 2 youth between the ages of 10 and 24 kill themselves each week in Washington State In a recent state survey, more than one in every 10 high school students reported having attempted suicide; nearly one in four (20% - 25%) had seriously considered it Over 30% of GLBQ youth report at least one suicide attempt within the past year –54% Transgender identified youth report at least one suicide attempt Youth suicide outnumber youth homicides

Number of suicides vs. number of attempts Washington State youth ( )

Males complete suicide more often than females Washington State youth ( )

Females are more likely to be hospitalized for suicidal behavior than males Washington State youth ( )

Males use more immediate & less reversible means than females Washington State youth ages ( ) N= 440N=96

Males v Females Boys and young men are at higher risk of dying by suicide because: –They choose more lethal means –They are less likely to seek help –They are socialized to solve problems Girls and young women are much more likely to be hospitalized for suicidal behavior because: –They talk and tell others –They give us the opportunity to intervene The most common ways in which males and females end their lives are the same: guns and hanging

Rate of suicides by race/ethnicity Washington State youth ( )

LIFE’S SLOT MACHINE ExistentialPsychologicalSociologicalBiological Risk Factors

LIFE’S SLOT MACHINE SchoolCommunityFamilyIndividual Protective Factors

Additional Risk Factors for GLBT Youth: Gender nonconformity Coming out: –Early –Not coming out to anyone Homophobia Internalized homophobia/Internal conflict Heterosexism Lack of access to gay/trans friendly services

Youth Suicide: Warning Signs A previous suicide attempt Current talk of suicide or making a plan Strong wish to die, preoccupation with death, giving away prized possessions Signs of serious depression, such as moodiness, hopelessness, withdrawal Increased alcohol and/or drug use

Youth Suicide: Risk Factors Readily accessible firearms Impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks Lack of connection to family and friends (no one to talk to).

Focus on How VS Why When lethal coal burning wood stoves were replaced with cleaner burning natural gas, overall suicide rate in the UK went down by 1/3 When barrier was erected on popular “suicide bridge” the incidence of suicide did not increase on another nearby bridge Storing guns in a lock box, putting ammunition in a different room or keeping a gun unloaded significantly reduces chances that gun will be used in a suicide

Show you care Ask the question Call for help Youth Suicide: Intervention

Youth Suicide: Resources School counselor Crisis telephone hotline ( TALK) ( U-Trevor-GLBT support) Physician/health care provider Mental health specialist Coaches & youth leaders Parents & clergy GLBT friendly services/people in community and schools

Youth Suicide: Prevention Works! Presented by: Kelly Chatwood, MPH King Co Field Coordinator, Youth Suicide Prevention Program of Washington State