1. Grieving, Suicide & Death
Health

2. Stages of Grief D A B
ENIAL
NGER
ARGAINING
EPRESSION
CCEPTANCE

4. Stress: What is it?
The way your mind and body react to change, challenges and threats
Not all stress is bad
When ordinary stress becomes too much = distress

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. Possible Impact of Depression
School or Work effects 1. 2. 3.
Physical effects 1. 2. 3.
Emotional or personal effects 1. 2. 3.

9. Benefits of getting help
What are the benefits of getting help for depression? 1. 2. 3.
What can a depressed person do to help him/herself? 1. 2. 3.
What can friends do to help someone who is depressed? 1. 2. 3.
What can professionals do to help someone who is depressed? 1. 2. 3.

10. Suicidal Behaviors
Thoughts
Attempts
Death

11. Resources for Help School counselor Crisis telephone hot-lines:
1-800-SUICIDE or TALK
Physicians/health care providers
Mental health counselor
Parents
Clergy
Coaches, teachers, youth leaders

12. Facts & Myths Suicide Questions
If my friend talked about killing herself, even joking, she could really mean it and might commit suicide
Once a teen attempts suicide, they have a higher risk for attempting again.
Teens who use drugs or alcohol are not at a risk for committing suicide.
If you ask a troubled friend if they are suicidal, you will be planting the idea in their head.

13. Facts & Myths Suicide Questions
Reckless driving or doing dangerous things that could lead to death may be a sign that a teen is having thoughts of suicide or is unclear whether they want to live.
Suicide is the third most common cause of death among adolescents and young adults in the US.
There are no warning signs before a suicide takes place.
Once a person is suicidal, they are suicidal forever.

14. 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.
3. Teens who use drugs or alcohol are not at a greater risk for committing suicide.
ANSWER: FALSE

15. Facts and Myths about Suicide
4. If you ask a troubled friend if h/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 unclear whether they want to live.
ANSWER: TRUE

16. Facts and Myths about Suicide
6. Suicide is the third most common cause of death among adolescents and young adults in the US
ANSWER: False (2nd)
7. There are no warning signs before a suicide takes place.
ANSWER: FALSE
8. Once a teen is suicidal, he/she is suicidal forever

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

18. Suicide in Washington
In 2011, 992 Washington State residents died by suicide (the age-adjusted rate was 14 per 100,000 people). Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death among all Washington residents and the second leading cause among youth ages 15–24.
(Source: Washington State Dept. of Health)

19. Causes of Suicidal Behavior
Individual
­ Depression, hopelessness anxiety
­ drugs and/or alcohol use
Home
School
Family conflicts/fights
Death/divorce
Abuse
Failing grades
Suspension
School pressures
Relationships
Conflict and/or break-ups
Pregnancy
Bullying

20. Obstacles to helping a person at risk of suicide.
Brainstorming
Obstacles to helping a person at risk of suicide. 1. 2. 3. 4
Solutions 1. 2. 3. 4.

21. The Point Is:
LOSS is a common theme.
There are usually many causes.

22. Don’t be afraid to fail.
Thomas Edison made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb.
Henry Ford failed and went broke five times before he succeeded.
Michael Jordan got cut from his high school basketball team.
Jordan once observed, "I've failed over and over again in my life. That is why I succeed."

23. 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

24. 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.”

25. 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.”

26. What is helpful? Show you care
I am concerned about you, about how you’re feeling. 1. 2. 3.
Ask the question
Are you thinking about suicide? 1. 2. 3.
Get help
You are not alone. Let me help you. Let’s call the crisis line. 1. 2. 3.

27. Resources for Help School counselor Crisis telephone hot-lines:
1-800-SUICIDE or TALK
Physicians/health care providers
Mental health counselor
Parents
Clergy
Coaches, teachers, youth leaders