1. 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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2. 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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3. Stress-Managing Strategies
Plan ahead – Manage your time
Get the right amount of sleep
Regular physical activity
Nutritious food – 3 balanced meals a day
Avoid tobacco, alcohol, drugs
Seek support among family and friends
Practice a relaxing hobby or activity
Make a plan for fun activities with others
Keep a positive attitude; include laughter
Express yourself – needs, wants, feelings
Consider the role of spirituality in your life

4. Depression – What is it? Feelings of sadness, hopelessness & despair
that persist and interfere with
academics, work performance,
or interpersonal relationships
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5. Adolescent Depression: The Signs
Withdrawal from friends & activities
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Chronic worries, fears, feelings of guilt
Persistent sadness, negativity, irritability
A drop in grades or conduct at school
Difficulty concentrating, making decisions
Difficulty with relationships, authority
Self-destructive behaviors
Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness
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6. Treatment for Depression
Counseling
Psychotherapy
Medication
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7. 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
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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
Suicide is the third most common cause of death among adolescents and young adults in the U.S.
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9. Facts and Myths about Suicide
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.
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10. The Point Is: Youth suicide is a major problem in Washington State
Talking about suicide may help to save a life
Map/ Statistics…from folder
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11. Underlying Causes of Suicidal Behavior
Mental Health
Problem
Abuse/ Bullying
Alcohol/Drug
Problem
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12. 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
Break up with girlfriend/ boyfriend
Pregnancy

13. Possible Triggers of Suicidal Behavior
Relationship Problems
- Conflicts
- Break-ups
- Pregnancy
School Problems
- Failing Grades
- Suspension
- Pressures
Family Stressors
- Death
- Divorce
- Fights
- Finances
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14. The Point Is: LOSS is a common theme There are usually many causes
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15. 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 weapons
Impulsiveness
No one to talk to
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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.”
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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.”
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18. School/Community Resources
How can each of the following provide help?
Counselor
Teacher
Coach
Clergy member
Physician
Friend or family member
Reliable Help-lines or Websites

19. 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
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20. Journal Prompts 1. Suicide is…
2. Suicide is a major problem with adolescents today because…
3. If someone I knew committed suicide, the hardest thing for me to deal with would be…