1. BCMS Teen Suicide Awareness Materials

2. Allison sat next to Shantee in her senior English class
Allison sat next to Shantee in her senior English class. Shantee was a quiet young woman who got good grades and was on the track team. She was friendly with most of her classmates, including Allison, but did not seem to have any close friends.
One day, Allison realized that Shantee was crying during class. Later, in the hall, Allison noticed that Shantee had gained weight. Allison knew that it was very unusual for someone on the track team to gain weight at that point in the track season. Allison began to pay closer attention to Shantee in English class. She soon realized that Shantee was no longer listening to the teacher and that she always looked sad. One day, Allison offered Shantee a friendly “How are you doing?”, which Shantee returned with a shrug, not looking Allison in the eye.

3. The following week, Allison noticed that Shantee didn’t wear her track sweatshirt on the day of the meet like the rest of the team. She could also see from her desk that Shantee got a C on her last English test. For that whole week, Shantee looked like she was on the verge of tears.
Allison was worried, but she didn’t know what to do—or even if it was any of her business. Allison decided to talk to Ms. Shaw, her history teacher, about the situation. Allison trusted Ms. Shaw. The teacher listened to what Allison had to say and told Allison that she would talk with the school counselor about Shantee. Ms. Shaw asked Allison if she would want to talk with the school counselor if she thought it would help. Allison agreed. Ms. Shaw told Allison that she would let her know how her meeting with the school counselor went.

4. Do you think Allison did the right thing?
What are your thoughts about what happened?
Do you think Allison did the right thing?
What were some of the warning signs that indicated Shantee was troubled?
Who are some other adults that she could have gone to for advice?

5. Allison did the right thing.
Even though she was not Shantee’s close friend—and wasn’t even sure that Shantee had a serious problem—she was concerned enough and brave enough to help. Allison found an adult she trusted and confided in her.
What would have happened if Allison had not talked to her teacher?
Maybe nothing…and maybe something terrible. Even if Shantee was not thinking about hurting herself, it was pretty clear that she was troubled and could use some help.

6. Due to a new Kentucky Legislation regarding suicide prevention for KY adolescents, we are required by law to talk with you about this today—Suicide Prevention

7. KY Legislators became concerned with these statistics:
Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death nationally for year olds.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for Kentuckians years old.
Adolescent suicidal behavior is deemed to be underreported; many suicide deaths are classified as unintentional or accidental.

8. You may know your friends better than their parents do and you may be the first to know when something is bothering your friends.
As a good friend, you may want to help.
1. Be a listener.
2. Persuade friend to seek help from an adult they trust.
3. If you can’t convince them to seek help and the problem is serious, then you could seek an adult that you trust.
Let’s talk about some of the warning signs that your friends may show that could indicate they are having problems and need help.

9. School Performance Missing Homework Assignments Start Failing Tests
School Absences Increase
Grades Get Worse

10. Fixation with Death or Violence
Unusual expression of death or violence
Music
Movies or Video Games
Artwork or Doodling
Poetry or Essays

11. And Says “You Just Don’t Understand Me Anymore”
Peer Relationships
Friend Stops Hanging Out With You
For No Reason
And Says “You Just Don’t Understand Me Anymore”
And starts associating with teens that may be in trouble or exhibit risky behaviors

12. Stealing Vandalism Driving Recklessly Risky Behaviors
Giving in to Peer Pressure (Drugs & Alcohol)
Driving Recklessly

13. Personality Changes Become Silent Easily Angered Begin Acting Out
Become Withdrawn
Easily Angered
Begin Acting Out

14. Unexplained Bruises or Other Injuries
May indicate that a friend may be in an abusive relationship

15. Weight Change
Dramatic increase or decrease in weight that is not the result of a medically supervised diet.

16. Bullied
Students who are bullied, pushed around, or harassed may become depressed and be at a risk.

17. Depression Expressions of Sadness or Rage Low Self-Esteem
Lack of Concentration or Forgetfulness
Restlessness or Agitation
Change In Eating or Sleeping Habits
Unprovoked Episodes of Crying
Neglect of Appearance & Hygiene
Seems to Feel Tired for No Apparent Reason
Use of Drugs or Alcohol

18. You will be better off without me. What’s the point of living?
Comments
I wish I were dead.
You will be better off without me.
What’s the point of living?
Who cares if I’m dead, anyway?

19. HELP For a Friend/Classmate or Yourself
Possible Adults
Seek an adult that you feel comfortable with
Family Members (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, etc.)
School Staff (Teacher, Guidance Counselor, Principal, School Nurse, Librarian, Classroom Aide, Cafeteria Worker, Custodian, Busdriver, etc.)
Community Leaders (Minister, Youth Minister , Church Members, 4-H Leaders, Scouts Leaders, Coaches, etc.)
Family Members of Friends (Friends’ parents, Friends siblings, Friends grandparents, etc.)
Remember , adults have a responsibility to keep you safe and can’t keep a secret if you tell them something that will hurt you or someone else.

20. National suicide prevention lifeline
TALK

21. Information in this Powerpoint from Suicide Prevention Resource Center an effort that was funded in part with Federal funds from the National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health Version 05/24/2005