DEALING WITH the

1. DENYING “it can’t be true” “are you sure you have the right person” “it is just a dream”

2. BEING ANGRY “*****!!!!!!!!!” “I’m going to get you!!!!!” “you better watch your back!!!”

3. BARGAINING OR MAKING PROMISES “if you give me another chance, I’ll……” “I just need a couple more days to………” “Please!!” Please!!! “Please!!!!”

4. BEING DEPRESSED Withdrawing from others sad Sleep pattern changes lonely Appetite changes

ACCEPTINGACCEPTINGACCEPTINGACCEPTING

SERENITY SAYING Grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference!

WHY DO PEOPLE COMMIT SUICIDE?

SUICIDE IS THE SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN NEBRASKA AND THE FOURTH LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES

KOLN – March, 2011 SUICIDE PREVENTION SUICIDE IN LINCOLN

SOURCE: LJS Feb. 17, 2011 From January, 2010 through mid-February, 2011, Lincoln had recorded 338 attempts and 22 suicides.

SUICIDE IN LINCOLN SOURCE: LJS Oct. 1, 2009 In 2007, Lincoln recorded 5 suicides among youth ages and 6 in Nebraska was awarded a 1.5 million dollar grant in 2009 to develop programs that provide screening, training and treatment programs.

ADOLESCENT SUICIDE  The suicide rate for adolescents, ages 15-24, has more than tripled in the past 50 years! Over the past 20 years, the rate for year olds has increased by 120%

The suicidal person feels a tremendous sense of loneliness, isolation, and helplessness.

MAJOR LIFE CRISES OF STUDENTS Recent death of a friend, parent, or acquaintance Pregnancy School failure Move to a new school Relationship problems - break-up of a romance Family separation or divorce Parental expectations or family conflicts Family or friend suicide Substance abuse

 Past history or currently being emotionally, physically or sexually abused.  Divorce or separation of parents.  Death of loved one-an attempt to get closer to the deceased person.  Moving-leaving old friends & trying to gain acceptance from new friends.  Breaking up.  Loss of job-Failure?

 Being cut or eliminated from participation. -College -Athletics -Activities  Remarriage of a parent. -Am I losing my parents?  The marriage of a brother or sister. -Am i being replaced? -Will I find the same happiness?

 -Being arrested or jailed-Panic? Drugs? Alcohol?  -Heavy use of Alcohol and Drugs-Severe depression.  -Difficulty with peers-Feeling left out or rejected.  -Influence of peers--Clusters!  -Fear of being alone.  -Suicide is an attempt to gain attention and love, but if “SUCCESSFUL” won’t be around to enjoy it.

9 OUT OF 10 ADOLESCENTS WHO COMMIT SUICIDE GIVE CLUES TO OTHERS BEFORE THE SUICIDE ATTEMPT

 -Crying over the unimportant and not crying over the important.  -Expressing loneliness even when friends are available.  -Loss of interest in things that normally give pleasure.  -Giving away prized personal possessions.

 -Self - Destructive Behavior.  -Heavy Drinking/drug abuse  -Reckless Driving.  -Violence toward self and others.  -Repeated expression of lack of self worth. -I’m too fat, ugly, short,stupid, nobody likes me!

 Depression.  Strong feelings of hopelessness.  A previous suicide attempt.  Legal or serious behavioral problems.

 -Talk or write about suicide/death.  -If they have a plan.  -If confiding in a friend about a suicide attempt. (Should you promise not to tell anyone?)  Saying goodbye

Most suicidal youth DO NOT WANT TO DIE They are torn between wanting to end their psychological pain through death and wanting to live

What To Do… ACT

 A = Acknowledge that you are seeing the signs of depression or suicide in a friend and that it is serious. Believe or trust your suspicions that the person may be self-destructive.

What To Do…  C = Care Let your friend know that you care about him or her, and that you are concerned that he or she needs help you cannot provide. Communicate your concern for the well-being of the person. Be an active listener and show you support.

What To Do…  C = Care Let your friend know that you care about him or her, and that you are concerned that he or she needs help you cannot provide. Be direct. Talk openly and freely and ask direct questions about the person’s intentions. Try to determine if the person has a plan for the suicide (how, where, when, etc.) The more detailed the plan, the greater the risk.

What To Do…  T = Tell a trusted adult, either with your friend or on his or her behalf. Get professional help. Encourage the person to seek help from the school counselor, minister, priest or rabbi, or other mental health professionals. If the person resists, you may have to get the necessary help for them.

What Not To Do…  Do Not allow yourself to sworn to secrecy by the suicidal person. You may lose a friendship, but you may save a life.

What Not To Do…  Do Not allow yourself to sworn to secrecy by the suicidal person. You may lose a friendship, but you may save a life.  Do Not leave the person alone if you believe the risk for suicide is immediate.

What Not To Do…  Do Not allow yourself to sworn to secrecy by the suicidal person. You may lose a friendship, but you may save a life.  Do Not leave the person alone if you believe the risk for suicide is immediate.  Do Not act shocked at what the person tells you.

What Not To Do…  Do Not allow yourself to sworn to secrecy by the suicidal person. You may lose a friendship, but you may save a life.  Do Not leave the person alone if you believe the risk for suicide is immediate.  Do Not act shocked at what the person tells you.  Do Not try to counsel the person yourself.

ACKNOWLEDGE C A R E T E L L