Safe Accountable In Control Lead by Example Buccaneers SAIL Safe Accountable In Control Lead by Example

ASPEN Project Director Adolescent Suicide: Prevalence; Circumstance; and Conditions of Recognition Barri Sky Faucett, MA ASPEN Project Director

Intentional Self-Inflicted Death SUICIDE Intentional Self-Inflicted Death

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for WV Youth ages 15-24!

The Teenage Brain Adolescence is a time of profound brain growth. Greatest changes to the brain that are responsible for impulse control, decision making, planning, organization, and emotion occur in adolescence (prefrontal cortex). Humans not reach full maturity until age 25.

What Stressors do teens deal with? Increased school pressures as they progress through higher grades Possibly first romantic relationships Exploring increased independence and identity Pressure to Experiment with substance use Puberty and Hormone fluctuation Bullying

Bullying: 3 defining characteristics: Intentional—behavior is deliberately harmful or threatening 2. Repeated—a bully targets the same victim again and again 3 .Power Imbalanced—a bully chooses victims he or she perceives as vulnerable

Bullying effects Withdraws socially; has few or no friends. Feels isolated, alone, and sad. Feels picked on or persecuted. Feels rejected and not liked. Complains frequently of illness. Doesn’t want to go to school; avoids some classes or skips school. Brings home damaged possessions or reports them “lost.” Cries easily; displays mood swings and talks about hopelessness. Has poor social skills. Talks about running away/suicide.

CYBERSPACE is the primary environment where youth are forming communities.

Cyber bullying Stats Guess the Percentages ?% of teens ages 12-17 are on the Internet. ?% of teens own a cell phone. A typical teen sends about ??? text messages a day. Most teen cell phone users make just ??? calls per day. ?% of teens ages 14-17 are on social network sites

Cyber bullying 93% of teens ages 12-17 are on the Internet. 75% of teens own a cell phone. A typical teen sends about 100 text messages a day. Most teen cell phone users make just 1-5 calls per day. 82% of teens ages 14-17 are on social network sites

What makes Cyberbullying different? Distance/Anonymous 24/7 Multiple methods: Text messages; video; Websites; Social Media; IM; Emails, apps Expanded Audience

Bullying risks for suicide: Both victims and perpetrators of bullying are at a higher risk for suicide than their peers. Children who are both victims and perpetrators of bullying are at the highest risk  One study found that victims of cyberbullying had higher levels of depression than victims of face-to-face bullying  Verbal Physical Relational

SUICIDE: Myth or Fact Confronting a person about suicide will only make them angry and increase the risk of suicide. Myth - Asking someone directly about suicidal intent lowers anxiety, opens communication and lowers the risk of an impulsive act  

Myth or Fact Those who talk about suicide don’t do it.

Myth or Fact Those who talk about suicide don’t do it. Myth – People who don’t talk about suicide may try or even complete an act of self-destruction.

Warning Signs: Acquiring a gun or stockpiling pills Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself Impulsivity/increased risk taking Giving away prized possessions Self-destructive acts (i.e., cutting) Increased drug or alcohol abuse Talking about no reason to live

Indirect or “Coded” Verbal Clues: “I’m tired of life, I just can’t go on.” “My family would be better off without me.” “Who cares if I’m dead anyway.” “I just want out.” “I won’t be around much longer.” “Pretty soon you won’t have to worry about me.”

What to Do for the Individual Take it seriously Almost 80% of all suicides had given some warning of their intentions Ask Directly If you think that someone is suicidal, ask them about it

What to do 1. Be Genuine Listen and don’t show shock or disapproval Show that you care, it is more important  than saying “the right thing.” Avoid trying to explain away the feelings…(saying things like “you have a lot to live for” or “you are just confused right now”)

What to Do 2. Stay There  DO NOT leave them alone. 

What to Do 3. Seek Help -Be actively involved in seeking professional help (you being there will be a huge support!)

What to Do 4. Do Not agree to keep secrets! If they are in a dark place – they need help now!

Ms. Zickefoose & Mrs. Pavlic Seek help today if you are feeling suicidal or know of someone who may be suicidal Call 1-800-SAFETALK Or tell your advisor, parent, principal, or counselor. School Counselors Ms. Zickefoose & Mrs. Pavlic

For More Information www.afsp.org www.jedfoundation.org