Depression & Suicidality Project Success+ & CAPE

Introduction Project Success-Student Support Program Assess and Refer to Services Group and Individual Counseling Education Windsor SOS Clinic CAPE-(Crisis Assessment Prevention Education)

Statistics Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10-24 years olds, higher than cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza and chronic lung disease A teen dies by suicide every 2 hours. For every 1 teen death by suicide, there are 25 teen attempts. 4 in 5 teens who attempt suicide have given clear warning signs 75% of those who die of suicide are depressed. Untreated depression is the number one cause of suicide 20% of teens will experience depression before reaching adulthood Less than 33% of teens with depression get help

Risk Factors Mental Illness/Depression/Substance Use Family Stress – (Interpersonal/Financial/Marital) Family history of suicide, local epidemics of suicide, past suicide attempts LGBTQ Situational Crisis (Major loss: recent breakup, expulsion, divorce, etc) Adverse Childhood Experience (Abuse, family violence, hostile environment) Barriers to mental health treatment

Depression Depression is more than bad moods and acting out Sadness lasts more than two weeks Chemical imbalance (enzyme breaks down dopamine and serotonin, smaller hippocampus), Different hormone levels (increase in cortisol) Genetic (1 to 3.5 times, 76% identical twins) Result of death or loss, stressful events, serious illness, substance abuse (30%), personal problems, conflicts, abuse, medication (Accutane)

What are some symptoms of depression?

Signs of Depression Sadness and hopelessness Irritable, angry, hostile Frequent crying Withdrawal from friends and family Loss of interest in activities, lack of motivation, lack of energy Changes in eating and sleeping habits Restlessness and agitation, difficulty concentrating Worthlessness, thoughts of suicide

Signs of Potential Suicide Suicide Warning Signs Suicide warning signs may be direct or indirect. The more warning signs observed, the greater the risk! Take all warning signs seriously!

Signs of Potential Suicide Verbal Clues Direct Verbal Cues Indirect Verbal Cues I wish I were dead I want this to be over I’m going to end it all You’re better off without me If (*) doesn’t happen, I’ll kill myself You won’t have to worry about me much longer I’m going to commit suicide Nobody cares about me

Signs of Potential Suicide Behavioral Clues Acting recklessly: Engaging in risk taking behaviors Unexplained anger, aggression, hostility Acquiring a gun or stockpiling pills Giving away prized possessions Self-destructive acts (such as cutting) Dramatic changes in personality/behavior Depression symptoms/ Substance Abuse Has attempted suicide in the past

Signs of Potential Suicide Situational Clues Expelled from school Loss of any major relationship Death of friend or family member (especially by suicide) Diagnosis of serious illness Embarrassment/humiliation in front of peers Victim of assault or bullying Sudden loss of freedom/fear of punishment

Common Misconceptions About Suicide Myths about Suicide Common Misconceptions About Suicide

Myths about Suicide Myth. “People who talk about suicide are just trying to get attention” OR “ People who talk about suicide don’t actually try to kill themselves” Fact: Perhaps this person IS trying to get attention, but they are trying to tell you something is wrong. People who talk about suicide may try, or even complete an act of self destruction

Myths about Suicide Myth. “Suicide always occurs without warning signs” OR “People who are suicidal do not seek help” Fact: Most suicidal people communicate their intent sometime during the week preceding their attempt. 80-90% of all suicides have indications of warning. Although teens may not seek help directly, they ask for help in many indirect ways.

Myths about Suicide Myth. “Talking about Suicide will give them the idea to do it” Fact: Asking someone directly about suicidal intent lowers anxiety, opens up communication, and lowers the risk of an impulsive act.

Myths about Suicide Myth. “Once people decide to die by suicide, there is nothing you can do to stop it” OR “People who are suicidal definitely want to die” Fact: Suicide is the most preventable kind of death, and almost any positive action may save a life.

Myths about Suicide Myth. “People who attempt suicide and survive will not attempt suicide again” OR “People who become suicidal will always be suicidal” Fact: Neither is true! Appropriate clinical treatment is key in helping suicidal individuals reach a place of safety.

How can we bring up these topics to our students?

How to talk to your child Remain Calm. Try not to become defensive. Listen. Avoid asking too many questions, don’t try to talk them out of their feelings Offer support-let them know you are there for him Reassure them that there is help out there and that they won’t feel this way forever Be persistent-even if your child shuts you out, let them know you are concerned and are willing to listen Ask the youth directly if he or she is thinking about suicide

What to do Be aware of depression and suicide warning signs Take all suicide statements seriously! If a teen threatens suicide, regardless of intent, there is something wrong and professional help is needed Talk to your child about suicide. Remove or lock up objects that could be used to hurt themselves ex: Guns, medication, Tylenol, razors.

What to do Become knowledgeable about good mental health services for teens. Don’t be afraid to seek Professional help! Its not a parents job to know how to handle all the problems that arise Be aware of what your child is doing online. Bullying can contribute to suicidal thoughts Be prepared to make a change. Family therapy can help navigate new ways of being. Seek your own mental health treatment. Being a parent is stressful

If High Risk: If they can’t contract for safety or have intent, plan, means Take your child to the hospital immediately (based on your insurance carrier): either Kaiser or PES (Psychiatric Emergency Services) At Kaiser or PES they will assess your child and may hold them for 72 hours based on risk of suicide May get a call from CAPE-they will have assessed your child for suicide risk and have decided to take them to the hospital You will meet them at Hospital-Either Kaiser or PES

Protective Factors Beliefs that Discourage Suicide Contact with Caring Adults Cultural/Religious Easy Access to Psychiatric Support Effective Social Support System Responsibility to Family/Friends Good Coping Skills Positive-Self Esteem Restricted Access to Lethal Means Sense of Connection to School Support of Family in Youth Identity Support of Family in Seeking Help

What could help teens through these difficulties?

Resource List Project Success School Counselors Suicide Hotlines, Apps Get resource handout!

Thank You! Questions? Contact Project Success at 837-7767 x2188 or the student’s Academic Counselor.