Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program Sedgwick County Suicide Prevention Coalition

Goals of the YR Training You will learn how to be a LINK for suicide prevention You will learn about Depression and that it is treatable You will know warning signs/clues that someone might be thinking about hurting themselves

National Suicide Statistics Nationally, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death = for ages 10-24 16-year-olds die by suicide 3X as often as 18-year-olds 2nd leading cause of death for college students Approx 39,500 Americans die by suicide every year (2011 data)

Kansas Suicide Statistics In Kansas – 2nd leading cause of death for those ages 15-24 and those 25-44 In 2011 – 60 suicides in SG County In 2012 – 88 suicides in SG County In 2013 – 70 suicides in SG County

Understanding Suicide Suicide is not about death. It is about ending pain!

PERMANENT The Tragic Fact… Suicide is a ‘action’ to address a problem! TEMPORARY problem! Don’t let suicide rob you of better times that will come when you allow more time to pass!

60% of all people who die by suicide kill themselves with a firearm. Guns and Suicide 60% of all people who die by suicide kill themselves with a firearm.

Depression The ‘Common Cold’ of Mental Health Almost 10% of the United States population suffer from clinical depression, but only 30% get proper treatment…. Depression is much easier to treat than ever before!

Why do only 30% get help? They think nothing will help. They are embarrassed to tell anyone that they have problems. They are afraid to be seen as weak or “crazy.” They don’t know where to go for help.

This is Important! Depression is a serious medical illness that makes a person’s brain not work right. Two Chemicals in the brain that are not working right are Serotonin and Dopamine.

What are Serotonin & Dopamine? Brain chemical that calms anxiety (like a warm blanket) Brain chemical that helps us “anticipate or feel a reward”

Serotonin: Oil for the Brain? When the brain runs low on serotonin the mental ‘engine’ starts to have problems! Irritability/Racing Thoughts Concentration and Attention Symptoms of Depression Sleep Disturbance Appetite Disturbance

‘Self Medicating’ with Alcohol or Drugs When a person feels depressed and unhappy it is not uncommon for them to use drugs and alcohol as a way to escape the issues and the pain. This behavior is called ‘Self Medicating’ and is extremely dangerous because it makes the person’s brain get ‘sicker’!

Black Dog Video

You will not cause someone to attempt suicide just by Listen up! You will not cause someone to attempt suicide just by talking about it! You can help someone who is thinking about suicide by asking them about it and getting help.

Getting help for a friend who is thinking about killing him/herself is not SNITCHING. It is TELLING. When someone is ‘snitching,’ the motive is to get someone else in trouble. When someone is ‘telling,’ the motive is to get someone help. You are seeking the help of others for a possible life-threatening situation.

Issues That Can Cause Stress Breaking Up Big Life Changes Family Problems Money Problems Peer Pressure Being a Bully or Target Drugs and Alcohol Abuse Bad Grades/Discipline Problems Major Holidays Trying To Fit in

This is Important! People who are thinking about killing themselves often say or do something to alert others before they do it. If you know the signs and clues, you may be able to help prevent a suicide.

Signs to look for! ‘Sad Depression’ Sadness, anxiety or a feeling of hopelessness Seeing no reason to live, no sense of purpose Loss of interest in food or compulsive over-eating leading to rapid weight loss or gain Withdrawing from friends, family, and the world Feeling trapped; no way out; no future… Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time Increasing use of alcohol/drugs Dramatic mood swings

Signs to look for! ‘Angry Depression’ Feeling trapped, no way out Increasing use of alcohol/drugs Reckless, risky behavior without thinking Rage, uncontrolled anger, wanting revenge Withdrawing from friends, family, and the world Doing dangerous things that can cause death Seeing no reason to live, no sense or purpose Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time

Behavioral Clues Lack of interest in daily activities Problems with school and/or the law Prolonged depression followed by a sense of elation Giving away prized possessions (a “living will”) Inability to tolerate frustration Unwillingness to communicate Perfectionism

Verbal Clues “I wish I were dead.” “I’m just a burden to everyone.” “My family would be better off without me.” “Nobody needs me.” “If (something) happens, I’ll kill myself.” “I’ll show them!” “I hate my life.” “I just can’t go on any longer.” “Life is not worth it.” “I’m going to miss (something).”

Treating Depression There are many ways to treat depression. A physician and/or a mental healthcare professional will determine the best course of treatment. Involve them immediately!

Coping Strategies Spend time with family and friends Talk to other people! Religion or spiritual belief system Get involved in school, hobbies, sports, activities, groups Volunteer: You are needed!

Protective Factors Good coping and problem-solving skills Positive self-worth Impulse control Seek adult help when it’s needed Lack of access to suicidal means Access to mental health care Laughter – Keep a perspective & a sense of humor Give yourself permission to DREAM School environments that promote health and encourage students to seek help

Enhancing Good Brain Chemicals Exercise! ‘The Runner’s High’ Good nutrition Adequate rest Maybe even a little Chocolate!

Yellow Ribbon Video

If you have received this Card, it is a Cry for Help: Yellow Ribbon Card BE-A-LINK!-SAVE A LIFE! If you have received this Card, it is a Cry for Help:

Assisting Someone in a Suicidal Crisis Do: Learn the warning signs Listen! Take action Be non-judgmental Be reassuring & positive Offer empathy, “I care and I will help.” Offer hope that alternatives are available GET HELP from professionals through the hotline numbers or other health care professionals Don’t: Leave the person Be sworn to secrecy Be glib or dismissing of the problem Counsel (Your role is to Be-A-Link)

Please Remember You will not cause someone to kill Threats about suicide must be taken seriously! You will not cause someone to kill him/herself by asking about suicide! If you suspect that the person is suicidal, ask about it DIRECTLY! Dealing with a suicide crisis can be extremely upsetting! Talk to someone afterwards to help reduce your own stress.

Who do teens turn to? 91% of teens say they’ll talk to a friend first. The power of Yellow Ribbon lies with our youth!

Do not keep suicidal thoughts to yourself! Help is available. Find someone you trust, a friend, teacher, coach, neighbor, therapist, or clergy member, and let them know how bad things are. This can be your first step on the road to healing.

Depression Is Treatable! AND Suicide Can Be Prevented!

Be a Link!

Local Data 2013/14 School Year Wichita Heights High School -Presented to all students 9-12 (1265 in attendance) -Four days of presentations during English (26 sessions) -219 Response Forms were returned indicating the student was hurting or someone they knew was hurting -154 personal, one-on-one conversations were held with students (duplicates, anonymous, Darth Vader…) -Countless follow-up visits with students throughout year -7 calls were made to other schools for referral “I wish I had known this a long time ago.” - student “I wish my sister had heard this as a teenager.” - staff

Local Data 2013/14 School Year Northeast Magnet High School -Presented to all students 9-12 (685 in attendance) -82 Response Forms were returned indicating the student was hurting or someone they knew was hurting -18 parents were called, and 12 of those contacted outside agencies for counseling -2 students were transported to immediately for crisis care “I didn’t think anyone cared.” - student

Questions/Comments? Kim Baldwin kbaldwin1@usd259.net Karen Wallace kcwallace53@outlook.com