COUNSELING AND WELLNESS CENTER MARCUS WHITE RM 205 VICTORIA KATE GINTER, MS, CRC, LPC SOS Suicide Prevention Program

1. GOAL OF SOS IS TO HELP YOU RECOGNIZE THE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AND/OR SUICIDE IN YOURSELVES, YOUR FRIENDS OR YOUR LOVED ONES 2. THE PROGRAM PURPOSE IS NOT TO TELL WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION, BUT RATHER TO TELL IF YOU MAY HAVE SYMPTOMS THAT INDICATE A NEED FOR FURTHER EVALUATION SOS – Suicide Prevention Program

Today’s Program will include the following: A presentation & video about signs of suicide and the steps to take if you feel a friend or loved one is at risk A depression screening form for you to complete Instructions on how to score the screening form Guidelines for getting further help for yourself or a friend, if necessary

Signs of Depression  Symptoms  Depressed Mood (sad, down, grouchy, irritable)  Change in sleeping patterns ( too much sleep, not enough sleep)  Change in weight or appetite (decreased/increased)  Speaking and or moving with unusual speed/slowness  Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities  Withdrawal from friends  Feelings of worthlessness, guilt  Feelings of hopelessness or desperation  Diminished ability to think or concentrate, slowed thinking or indecisiveness  Thoughts of death, suicide, or wishes to be dead  Other Indications of Depression  Extreme Anxiety, agitation or enraged behavior  Excessive drug and /or alcohol abuse  Neglect of physical health

Signs of Bi-Polar Bi-Polar is also known as Manic Depression. A person with bipolar disorder has severe mood swings, “high” or agitated moods and sad, down moods for no apparent reason. Other signs and symptoms include:  Inflated self-esteem of feelings of “superiority”  A decreased need for sleep without tiredness or fatigue  Increased talkativeness or inability to stop talking  Racing thoughts or thoughts seeming disconnected  Being easily distracted from whatever is going on  Becoming increasingly focused on completing goals, like writing a term paper in one night, or staying up all night cleaning the house  Becoming excessively involved in activities that are pleasurable but have high potential for painful consequences, such as excessive risk- taking, sexual activity, gambling, spending money etc.

Risk Factors For Suicidal Behavior Depression or Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression) Strong feelings of hopelessness Drug and/or alcohol abuse Access to guns Strong feelings of wanting to be dead A previous suicide attempt Demonstrating behaviors indicating suicidal thoughts, such as talking or writing about death/suicide, giving away possessions, saying goodbye Serious behavior or conduct problems Legal or discipline crisis Having a past history or currently being emotionally, physically or sexually abused Lack of mental health treatment for depression or other psychiatric illness

Counseling Prevention Individual Counseling Support Groups Psychiatric Services Crisis Response FREE CONFIDENTIAL Substance Abuse Prevention Natural Helpers Bacchus & Gamma Alcohol Awareness Day Stress Busters DD10pm Counseling And Wellness center

COUNSELING & WELLNESS CENTER MARCUS WHITE ROOM 205 MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM – 5PM CAMPUS POLICE OFF CAMPUS CALL 911 OR TAKE PERSON TO LOCAL EMERGENCY ROOM INFO STATEWIDE SUICIDE CRISIS HOT LINE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE TALK How to Get Help!!