The facts

How Common is Suicide? Over 33,000 Americans die yearly of suicide (that is one ever 15 minutes) compared with about 18,000 homicides For young people, suicide is the third leading cause of death (after unintentional injuries and homicide) More people die of suicide than murder More than twice as many people die of suicide than HIV/AIDs Among 15-24 year olds (you guys!) suicide accounts for 12% of deaths annually

What Are the Risk Factors? Having depression (15% of severely depressed people die of suicide) Being male (4x as many men die of suicide than women, but women are 3x as likely to attempt suicide) Using drugs (73% of suicides involve drugs) Being an adult (most suicides are adults) Exposure to suicidal behavior in others (even in fiction)

FACT Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for those ages 15-24

The Myths

"People who talk about suicide won't really do it." Not True Almost everyone who commits or attempts suicide has given some clue or warning. Do not ignore suicide threats. Statements like "you'll be sorry when I'm dead," "I can't see any way out," -- no matter how casually or jokingly said, may indicate serious suicidal feelings.

"Anyone who tries to kill him/herself must be crazy." Not True Most suicidal people are not psychotic or insane. They may be upset, grief-stricken, depressed or despairing, but extreme distress and emotional pain are always signs of mental illness and are not signs of psychosis.

"Talking about suicide may give someone the idea." Not True You don't give a suicidal person morbid ideas by talking about suicide. The opposite is true -- bringing up the subject of suicide and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do.

“Suicide is a victimless crime." Not True Everyone has friends and family who will mourn the loss. One suicide places a tremendous burden on society. Other people are more likely to commit suicide after there is one suicide (this is ESPECIALLY true in school settings).

Helping Friends

Suicide is Preventable Most people who attempt suicide leave room for rescue However, 5,000 young people in U.S. do complete suicide each year

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem

WHAT ARE THE COMMON REASONS FOR SUICIDE?

Suicidal teens feel the 3 H’s Helpless Hapless Hopeless The 3 H’s lead to the feeling of being powerless

Teens who attempt: See problems as unsolvable See suicide as the only answer

HOW CAN I HELP A FRIEND WHO IS SUICIDAL OR DEPRESSED?

WARNING SIGNS Talking about suicide Talking about hopelessness Preoccupation with death Suddenly happier, calmer Loss of interest in the things one cares about Visiting or calling loved ones Making arrangements Giving away prized possessions Social withdrawal

QPR CPR for suicide prevention Q = Ask the question? P = Prevent - Listen R = Refer - Get help

Q. -What is the right question? Are you thinking of killing yourself?

P. - Prevent by Listening Careful listening & honest talk says: I take you seriously I care about you I want to help

How to help a friend through a suicidal crisis DO reach out DO show that you care DO ask questions DO encourage your friend to talk DO listen without making judgments DO remain calm DO get help (Medical Professional, ER)

DON’T make your friend’s problem seem unimportant DON’T act shocked DON’T keep your friend’s suicide plans a secret DON’T ask your friend to think how his or her suicide would make others feel DON’T try to take any weapon away from your friend DON’T leave your friend alone in a crisis

R. - Refer: GET HELP Go together for help Your parents Adult relatives A trusted teacher School counselors Your family doctor The police Your coach Your neighbors Religious Leaders Your best friend’s parents 911 Go together for help

Suicide Prevention Hotlines Download the App today Use it to talk to a crisis worker or report a tip Watch This Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNTndNI-uhE&t=1s) Suicide Prevention Hotlines (801) 261-1442 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Life has it’s ups and downs. Be a part of the positive.