Lesson 3 Suicide Prevention

Knowing the Facts About Suicide Most people can manage stress in healthful ways, however, stress can cause alienation- feeling isolated and separated from everyone else. Generally these people: Are unable to cope with life’s experience May lack support from family and friends Unable to access community resources for help May seek escape from pain and end their life Suicide- act of intentionally taking one’s own life 3 rd leading cause of death for teens between % of all teens in this age group will consider suicide More then half will actually attempt suicide

Suicide Risk Factors 90% are suffering from depression or another mental disorder May have a history of abusing alcohol or other drugs In some cases both factors are present Exposure to teens who have committed suicide is a risk factor that can lead to cluster suicides-series of suicides occurring within a short period of time involving several people of the same school or community. Accounts for 5% of teen suicides

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicide (Fig. 5.7) Direct statements such as “I wish I were dead” Indirect statements such as “I can’t take it any more Writing poems, lyrics or diary entries dealing with death Unusual obsession with death Withdrawal from friends Dramatic changes in personality, hygiene, or appearance Impulsive, irrational or unusual behavior

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicide (Fig. 5.7) A sense of guilt, shame, rejection, negative self- evaluation Deterioration in school work or recreational performance Giving away personal belongings Substance abuse Complaints about physical symptoms such as stomach aches, headaches or fatigue Persistent boredom and indifference Violent actions or rebellious behavior Intolerance for praise or rewards

Strategies to Prevent Suicide Most suicidal thoughts, behaviors and actions are expressions of extreme stress. Displaying only a few signs of suicide does not necessarily mean it will happen Take any threat seriously Immediate action is needed if a threat occurs Secrets should not be kept about threats

How You Can Help People considering suicide often believe their death will not matter to anyone Show empathy to show your concern If someone you know is considering suicide, try: Initiating a meaningful conversation Show support and ask questions Try to persuade the person to seek help

Lesson 4 Getting Help

When Help is Needed Most teens with a mental disorder do not recognize the seriousness of their condition and that that help is available Most adult mental health disorders have roots in untreated childhood or adolescent problems More then ½ of suicidal youths had symptoms of a mental disorder for a year prior to their deaths

When Help is Needed Teens should seek help if they experience any of the following: Feeling trapped or worried all the time Feelings that affect sleep, eating habits, schoolwork, job performance or relationships Becoming involved with alcohol or drugs Becoming increasingly aggressive, violent, or reckless

Overcoming the Stumbling Blocks These problems are difficult to manage without help When asking for help remember: Asking for help is a sign of inner strength. It shows responsibility for your wellness Serious disorders, compulsions and addictions are complex and require professional intervention Sharing your thoughts with an objective, helpful individual can be a great relief Financial help to pay for care may be available

Where to Go for Help Takes courage to confront and solve problem Many teens receive help from a mental health problem at school Crisis hotlines Treatment is unique for each individual

Mental Health Professionals These specialists are trained to help people with mental and emotional problems: Counselor School Psychologist Psychiatrist Neurologist Clinical Psychologist Psychiatric Social Worker

Treatment Methods Most commonly used therapy methods Psychotherapy Behavior Therapy Cognitive Therapy Family Therapy Group Therapy Drug Therapy