Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem

Occasional sadness or bad moods are common in adolescence… HOWEVER… major depression limits a teenager’s ability to function normally. The good news is that depression is a treatable illness. It’s NOT a weakness or moral failure. It also tends to run in families….

 5 or more of the following symptoms consistently present for two weeks or more.  Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anger or guilt  Loss of interest in activities that used to be fun  Isolation from friends/family  School performance slips  Headaches, stomach aches or chronic pain  Difficulty controlling emotions  Inability to concentrate  Decreased or increased appetite  Lack of energy/Sleeping too much or too little  Thoughts about death or suicide

 Risk factors for suicide in teens:  Depression  Alcohol or drug abuse  Aggressive behavior/disruption disorder  Risks of suicide among people with depression is 30 times that of the general population!!!  Suicide is the 3 rd leading cause of death for year olds and the 4 th leading cause of death for year olds.

 Elevated rates of depression, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts have been found in youth who are bullied and also in those who bully others.  It is important to remember: Bullying does not cause suicide, but it may put youth who are already vulnerable at an increased risk for self-harm. Bullying and Suicide

The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) illustrates the “Victimization-Suicidality Pathway”: Bullying and Suicide Pre-existing vulnerability Victimization Depression, Decreased self-esteem, Decreased self-worth, Feelings of Entrapment, Loneliness, Withdrawal, Anxiety, Insomnia, Hopelessness… (New symptoms and/or exacerbations or previous symptoms) Suicidal Ideation Suicide Attempt Death by Suicide Invites Results in Which are risk factors for

SIGNS  Talking about wanting to die  Irritability in teens  Unusual neglect of personal hygiene  Saying things like, “the world would be better without me around”  Giving away personal possessions  Sudden, dramatic IMPROVEMENT in mood RISK FACTORS  Access to weapons  Substance Abuse  History of impulsive or aggressive behavior  Bizarre thoughts, hallucinations or actions  Family history of suicide  Previous suicide attempts

SHARE YOUR CONCERNS WITH PEOPLE WHO CARE  Parents  Teachers  Social Workers  School Nurse  Close relatives or friends REACH OUT AND TALK TO SOMEONE  Guidance counselors  Family doctors  Clergy or Youth Ministers  Coaches

 If you or someone you know needs help, your first step should be to call us:  Ms. Laravee  Mr. Kupres  Mrs. Plantz  Mr. McMahon  We can help you find resources available in the community for children, adolescents and adults  REMEMBER, THERE IS ALWAYS HELP. THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE. A First Step…. Social Work Office is room 128