1. H.E.L.P. Suicide Prevention Curriculum for High School
Helping Every Living Person
Suicide Prevention Curriculum
for High School

2. 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
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3. 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
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4. Depression: What is it?
Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair that persist and interfere with academics, work performance, or interpersonal relationships
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5. Adolescent Depression: The Signs
Irritability
Overreaction to criticism
Problems with authority
Persistent feelings of sadness
Drop in school performance
Indecision, lack of concentration
Poor self-esteem
Frequent physical complaints
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6. Treatment for Depression
Brief counseling
Psychotherapy
Medication
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7. Resources School counselor Crisis telephone hotlines: Parents Clergy
TALK ( )
U-Trevor (LGBTQI+ hotline – )
Parents
Clergy
Coaches, teachers, youth leaders
Physicians, pediatricians, other health care providers
Psychiatrists, psychologists, other mental health counselors
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8. Suicidal Behaviors
Thoughts
Attempts
Death
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9. Facts & Myths about Suicide
1. If my friend talked about suicide, even jokingly, they could really mean it and might commit suicide.
ANSWER: True
2. Once a teen attempts suicide, they have a higher risk for attempting again.
3. Teens who use drugs or alcohol are not at a greater risk for committing suicide.
ANSWER: False
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10. Facts & Myths about Suicide
4. If you ask a troubled friend if they are suicidal, you will be planting the idea in their 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
Suicide is the third most common cause of death among adolescents and young adults in the U.S.
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11. Facts & Myths about Suicide
Over 30% of LGBTQI+ youth attempt suicide.
ANSWER: True
8. There are no warning signs before a suicide takes place.
ANSWER: False
9. Once a teen is suicidal, they are suicidal forever.
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12. The Point is: Youth suicide is a major problem in Washington State
Talking about suicide may help to save a life
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13. Underlying Causes of Suicidal Behavior Mental Health Problem Abuse/
Bullying
Alcohol/Drug Problem
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14. Relationship Problems
Possible Triggers
of Suicidal Behavior
Family Stressors
Death
Divorce
Fights
Finances
Relationship Problems
Conflicts
Break-ups
Pregnancy
School Problems
Failing Grades
Suspension
Pressures
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15. The Point is: LOSS is a common theme There are usually many causes
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16. Warning Signs Suicide-Risk Behaviors Depression Drug Use
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
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17. Resources School counselor Crisis telephone hotlines: Parents Clergy
TALK ( )
U-Trevor (LGBTQI+ hotline – )
Parents
Clergy
Coaches, teachers, youth leaders
Physicians, pediatricians, other health care providers
Psychiatrists, psychologists, other mental health counselors
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18. What is NOT Helpful Ignoring or dismissing the issue
- “Oh, let’s talk about something else.”
- “You’ll meet someone else and forget them; 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.”
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19. What IS Helpful Show You Care—Listen carefully
- “I’m concerned about you… about how you feel.”
Ask the Question—Be direct but caring and non-confrontational
- “Are you thinking about suicide?”
Get Help—Do not leave them alone
- “You're not alone. Let me help you.”
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20. Resources School counselor Crisis telephone hotlines: Parents Clergy
TALK ( )
U-Trevor (LGBTQI+ hotline – )
Parents
Clergy
Coaches, teachers, youth leaders
Physicians, pediatricians, other health care providers
Psychiatrists, psychologists, other mental health counselors
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