Stress: What is it? The way your mind and body react to changes, challenges and threats Stress is normal Not all stress is bad When ordinary stress becomes too much = distress slide#1

Healthy & Unhealthy Coping Examples of healthy coping: Listening to soothing music Exercising Examples of unhealthy coping: Using drugs or alcohol Beating up on your sibling slide#2

Stress-Managing Strategies Plan ahead – Manage your time Get the right amount of sleep Regular physical activity Nutritious food – 3 balanced meals a day Avoid tobacco, alcohol, drugs Seek support among family and friends Practice a relaxing hobby or activity Make a plan for fun activities with others Keep a positive attitude; include laughter Express yourself – needs, wants, feelings Consider the role of spirituality in your life

Depression – What is it? Feelings of sadness, hopelessness & despair that persist and interfere with academics, work performance, or interpersonal relationships slide#3

Adolescent Depression: The Signs Withdrawal from friends & activities Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much Chronic worries, fears, feelings of guilt Persistent sadness, negativity, irritability A drop in grades or conduct at school Difficulty concentrating, making decisions Difficulty with relationships, authority Self-destructive behaviors Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness slide#4

Treatment for Depression Counseling Psychotherapy Medication slide#5

Facts and Myths about Suicide 1. If my friend talked about killing herself, even jokingly, she could really mean it and might commit suicide. ANSWER: True 2. Once a teen attempts suicide, he/she has a higher risk for attempting again. 3. Teens who use drugs or alcohol are not at a greater risk for committing suicide. ANSWER: False slide#8

Facts and Myths about Suicide 4. If you ask a troubled friend if he/she is suicidal, you will be planting the idea in his/her head. ANSWER: False 5. Reckless driving or doing dangerous things that could lead to death might be a sign that a teen is having thoughts of suicide or is unclear whether they want to live. ANSWER: True Suicide is the third most common cause of death among adolescents and young adults in the U.S. slide#9

Facts and Myths about Suicide Over 30% of GLB (gay, lesbian, bisexual) youth attempt suicide. ANSWER: True 8. There are no warning signs before a suicide takes place. ANSWER: False 9. Once a teen is suicidal, he/she is suicidal forever. slide#10

The Point Is: Youth suicide is a major problem in Washington State Talking about suicide may help to save a life Map/ Statistics…from folder slide#11

Underlying Causes of Suicidal Behavior Mental Health Problem Abuse/ Bullying Alcohol/Drug Problem slide#12

Causes of Suicidal Behavior Individual ­ Depression, hopelessness Anxiety ­ drugs and/or alcohol use Home School Family conflicts/ fights Death/divorce Abuse Failing grades Suspension School pressures Relationships Break up with girlfriend/ boyfriend Pregnancy

Possible Triggers of Suicidal Behavior Relationship Problems - Conflicts - Break-ups - Pregnancy School Problems - Failing Grades - Suspension - Pressures Family Stressors - Death - Divorce - Fights - Finances slide#13

The Point Is: LOSS is a common theme There are usually many causes slide#14

Warning Signs Suicide-Risk Behaviors Depression Drug Use Past attempts Talking about suicide, making plans Preoccupation with death Depression Moody, down Feeling hopeless, withdrawing Drug Use Things that ­ Risk Easy access to weapons Impulsiveness No one to talk to slide#15

What is NOT Helpful Ignoring or dismissing the issue - “Oh, let’s talk about something else.” - “You’ll meet another girl and forget this one; you’re a great guy.” Acting shocked or embarrassed - “You aren’t REALLY thinking of suicide, are you?” Challenging or debating - “So go ahead; see if things really DO get better.” - “Don’t you know that it is wrong to kill yourself?” Giving harmful advice - “Let’s go get drunk and forget about all our problems.” slide#17

What IS Helpful Show You Care - Listen carefully - “I’m concerned about you . . . about how you feel.” Ask the Question - Be direct but caring & non-confrontational - “Are you thinking about suicide?” Get Help - Do not leave him/her alone - “You’re not alone. Let me help you.” slide#18

School/Community Resources How can each of the following provide help? Counselor Teacher Coach Clergy member Physician Friend or family member Reliable Help-lines or Websites

Resources School counselor Crisis telephone hotlines: - 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) - 1-866-4-U-Trevor (GLBT hotline – 1-866-488- 7386) Parents Clergy Coaches, teachers, youth leaders Physicians, pediatricians, other health care providers Psychiatrists, psychologists, other mental health counselors slide#19

Journal Prompts 1. Suicide is… 2. Suicide is a major problem with adolescents today because… 3. If someone I knew committed suicide, the hardest thing for me to deal with would be…