Stress: What is it? The way your mind and body react to changes, challenges and threats Stress is normal Not all stress is bad When ordinary stress becomes too much = distress slide#1

Defining Stress/Depression/Suicide Cup Exercise

Healthy & Unhealthy Coping Examples of healthy coping: Listening to soothing music Exercising Examples of unhealthy coping: Using drugs or alcohol Beating up on your sibling slide#2

Depression – What is it? Feelings of sadness, hopelessness & despair that persist and interfere with academics, work performance or interpersonal relationships slide#3

Adolescent Depression: The Signs Irritability Overreaction to criticism Problems with authority Persistent feelings of sadness A drop in school performance Indecision, lack of concentration Poor self-esteem Frequent physical complaints slide#4

Treatment for Depression Brief counseling Psychotherapy Medication slide#5

Impact of Stress/Depression & Help WS Segment: –Signs of Depression to Why Suicide (5:50)

Resources School counselor Crisis telephone hotlines: TALK ( ) U-Trevor (GLBT hotline – ) Parents Clergy Coaches, teachers, youth leaders Physicians, pediatricians, other health care providers Psychiatrists, psychologists, other mental health counselors slide#6

Suicidal Behaviors Thoughts Attempts Death slide#7

Facts/ Myths WS

Facts and Myths about Suicide 1.If my friend talked about killing herself, even jokingly, she could really mean it and might commit suicide. ANSWER: True 2.Once a teen attempts suicide, he/she has a higher risk for attempting again. ANSWER: True 3.Teens who use drugs or alcohol are not at a greater risk for committing suicide. ANSWER: False slide#8

Facts and Myths about Suicide 4.If you ask a troubled friend if he/she is suicidal, you will be planting the idea in his/her head. ANSWER: False 5.Reckless driving or doing dangerous things that could lead to death might be a sign that a teen is having thoughts of suicide or is unclear whether they want to live. ANSWER: True 6.Suicide is the third most common cause of death among adolescents and young adults in the U.S. ANSWER: True slide#9

Facts and Myths about Suicide 7.Over 30% of GLB (gay, lesbian, bisexual) youth attempt suicide. ANSWER: True 8.There are no warning signs before a suicide takes place. ANSWER: False 9.Once a teen is suicidal, he/she is suicidal forever. ANSWER: False slide#10

The Point Is: Youth suicide is a major problem in Washington State Talking about suicide may help to save a life slide#11

Underlying Causes of Suicidal Behavior Mental Health Problem Alcohol/Drug Problem Abuse/ Bullying slide#12

Possible Triggers of Suicidal Behavior Relationship Problems - Conflicts - Break-ups - Pregnancy Family Stressors - Death - Divorce - Fights - Finances School Problems - Failing Grades - Suspension - Pressures slide#13

The Point Is: LOSS is a common theme There are usually many causes slide#14

Warning Signs Suicide-Risk Behaviors – Past attempts – Talking about suicide, making plans – Preoccupation with death Depression – Moody, down – Feeling hopeless, withdrawing   Drug Use Things that  Risk –Easy access to guns –Impulsiveness –No one to talk to slide#15

Segment –Why Suicide (5:50) through Situational Clues

Resources School counselor Crisis telephone hotlines: TALK ( ) U-Trevor (GLBT hotline – ) Parents Clergy Coaches, teachers, youth leaders Physicians, pediatricians, other health care providers Psychiatrists, psychologists, other mental health counselors slide#16

What is NOT Helpful Ignoring or dismissing the issue - “Oh, let’s talk about something else.” - “You’ll meet another girl and forget this one; you’re a great guy.” Acting shocked or embarrassed - “You aren’t REALLY thinking of suicide, are you?” Challenging or debating - “So go ahead; see if things really DO get better.” - “Don’t you know that it is wrong to kill yourself?” Giving harmful advice - “Let’s go get drunk and forget about all our problems.” slide#17

What IS Helpful Show You Care - Listen carefully - “I’m concerned about you... about how you feel.” Ask the Question - Be direct but caring & non-confrontational - “Are you thinking about suicide?” Get Help - Do not leave him/her alone - “You’re not alone. Let me help you.” slide#18

What IS helpful WS –Helpful Phrases… Brainstorm with a partner! –Segment Situational Clues (14:1) to End

Obstacles and Solutions Role-Play

Resources School counselor Crisis telephone hotlines: TALK ( ) U-Trevor (GLBT hotline – ) Parents Clergy Coaches, teachers, youth leaders Physicians, pediatricians, other health care providers Psychiatrists, psychologists, other mental health counselors slide#19

–What would you do if you thought a friend was potentially suicidal? –Do you think Suicide prevention is a relevant and important issue to cover in school? Why or why not? –Do you think we have a problem with Suicide at Skyline? Why or why not? –What do you think the school and students should do to prevent further deaths? –Why do you think two students at our school lost their lives to suicide this year?