Part 2 Suicide Prevention Give out activity worksheet #1 and have the students circle their answers at this time. Give them a few minutes to complete this assignment.

Youth Suicide Statistics Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people, ages 10 to 24. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for college-age youth. Youth suicides have tripled since the late 1960s. Approximately 100 young people lose their lives to suicide in the U.S. every week. There has been over a 100% increase in suicides for 10 to 14 year olds since 1980. More teenagers and young adults are lost to suicide than die from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza and chronic lung disease, combined. Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 12, for answers and discussion points.

Just a Bad Day or Something More… Is it normal to have a “bad” day? Do you think everyone feels sad or down at times? What are some words you use to describe how you feel on your bad days. Does anyone notice when you are having a bad day? If yes, who? How do you know they notice? How can you determine if it is more than “just a bad day”? Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 14, for discussion points.

Signs of Concern Let’s look at some signs of concern (warning signs) that may indicate a person might be having thoughts of suicide. Suicide Threats Previous Suicide Attempts Sudden Changes in Behavior Depression Final Arrangements Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 14, for discussion points.

Suicide Threats “I would be better off dead.” “You won’t have me around to bother you much longer!” “I wish I was dead.” “I wish I could go to sleep and never wake up.” “I am going to kill myself.” (This is very straight forward, but it happens.) Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 14, for discussion points.

Previous Suicide Attempts Four out of five completed suicides are not the first attempt. Physical mutilation (cutting) is a sign of wanting to hurt one’s self physically to relieve an emotional pain…it can sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts. Even if the attempt seems to be “only for attention”, take it as a serious cry for help and seek help immediately. Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 15, for discussion points.

Sudden Changes in Behavior A loud person becomes quiet and reserved or a quiet person becomes loud and obvious. A person withdraws from activities he or she used to enjoy. A gentle person becomes aggressive and angers easily. An outgoing person becomes withdrawn. Declining grades or changes in class attendance. Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 15, for discussion points.

Depression Feeling sad or hopeless every day for two weeks or longer Feelings of being alone or of no one caring Sleeplessness or wanting to sleep an abnormal amount of time Eating disorders - eating too much or not enough Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 15, for discussion points. Sometimes we only think that a depressed person is quiet and withdrawn. Depression, especially in a young person, can exhibit itself by aggressive behavior and outbursts of rage or emotion. There are several behaviors that, if they are out of character for that individual, need to be addressed if nothing more than asking a few questions.

Final Arrangements Giving away “prized possessions” “Making rounds” Favorite piece of jewelry or clothing Driver’s license Collection – cards, music, etc. “Making rounds” Visiting friends to set things right and / or say good-bye. Sharing of funeral plans Primarily by girls to a best friend. Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 15, for discussion points.

Talk, Listen and Respond with: How to Help Talk, Listen and Respond with: L. I. F. E. Listen Insist on honesty Feelings - share them Extend a helping hand Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 17, for discussion points.

L.I.F.E. L – represents the very first thing you must do. LISTEN IT’S ABOUT LIVING LIFE! L – represents the very first thing you must do. LISTEN I – represents the second thing you can do to help. INSIST ON HONESTY F – stands for the third thing you can do to help your friend, talk about FEELINGS, yours and theirs. E – is for EXTEND A HELPING HAND. Go with your friend to get help. Refer to Teacher Manual, Pages 17 - 18, for discussion points.

Resources for Help Favorite Teacher or Coach Parent Minister/Clergy Guidance Counselor Medical Doctor Other Trusted Adult Local Crisis Line Local Mental Health Center Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 19, for discussion points.

Friends Helping Friends If you see any of the signs mentioned in a friend or a classmate, tell a responsible adult immediately. Be willing to risk your friendship to save a friend. REMEMBER Your knowledge of suicidal ideation could save someone’s life. Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 19, for discussion points. See Page 20 of the Teacher Manual for assignments and optional extension activities.

Counselor Information Mrs. Montfort and Mrs. Cutrer, by law, have to call parents ANYTIME a student speaks of self-harm….even if you are playing around. Please do not joke about harming yourself. Self-harm includes talk of suicide, cutting, etc. Detailed information for this slide is on Page 8 of the Teacher Manual.

Counselor Information Con’t. Teachers and/or students MUST immediately let us know of any self-harm talk, even if it is said in a joking manner. If teachers and/or students notice any cut marks on students, we must be made aware immediately. Detailed information for this slide is on Page 8 of the Teacher Manual.

Counselor Information Con’t. If we are not at school and you know a friend is threatening suicide, call 911, tell your parent, call their parent or call the Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or 1-800-SUICIDE. This could save your friend’s life. Detailed information for this slide is on Page 8 of the Teacher Manual.