RESPONSE: Parent Awareness Component © 2009 Journum, Inc.

About the RESPONSE Program Foundation Staff In-Service Training Student Awareness Component Parent Awareness Component and/or Mailing

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth aged in Oregon.

Addressing depression and suicidal behavior/ideation directly and responding immediately will help reduce the risk of suicide.

Parents Often Don’t Know

Recognizing the Helping Barriers Knowledge BehaviorAttitudes

Facts Talking about suicide in a responsible way does not increase risk. When someone is thinking about suicide, s/he almost always reveals risk factors and/or warning signs. Those who are suicidal are almost always ambivalent. Parents are often unaware of a child’s suicidal behavior. Suicide can be prevented.

Top 5 Reasons Teens Don’t Seek Help 1. “I would not know what to say to an adult about my problems.” 2. “I believe I can handle my problems on my own.” 3. “I would be afraid of being hospitalized.” 4. “I don’t feel close to any adult at school.” 5. “I thought it would go away.” Cigularov, et al.

42-66% of adolescent suicide victims experienced mental illness - primarily major depression Previous suicidal behavior** Hopelessness Peer victimization Sexual/Physical abuse Social isolation Problematic parenting or family environments Identification (Risk Factors)

Warning Signs for Suicide Thinking, talking or writing about suicide (Ideation) Plan – Method, Location and/or Time Increasing or persistent depression Withdrawal from friends, family, or society Expressing feelings of being trapped Feelings of hopelessness or purposelessness Unbearable pain often associated with loss Perceived lack of internal or external resources

Focus on Ideation –Ideation is defined as self-reported thoughts of engaging in suicide or suicidal behaviors. –At home, ideation may be expressed in journals, notes and/or in conversations with you. –Ideation may also be expressed through terminal statements - “I wish I were dead,” “People would just be better off without me…”

Focus on Teen’s On-line Activity –Suicide is associated with bullying and “cyberbullying.” –Suicidal youth may associate with other suicidal youth on- line. –Suicidal youth are posting suicidal thoughts and making suicidal “threats” on-line.

Suspect Suicide? - Six Steps 1. Establish connection. 2. In a caring non-confrontational way, ask the question, “Are you thinking about suicide?” 3.Ask your teen whether s/he has a plan. If so, REMOVE THE PLANNED METHOD AND ANY OTHER LETHAL WEAPONS OR MEDICATIONS. 4.Do not leave him or her alone until you get help. 5. Offer some comforting things to say (examples in your packet). 6. Get help.

Gaston High School’s Suicide Contacts 1. Richard Ceder 2. James Gesicki r

Local Resources Washington County Crisis Line: National Resources Suicide Crisis Line – TALK National Mental Health Services Directory –

Thank You! © 2009 Journum, Inc.