1. Suicide Prevention
Chapter 5: Lesson 3

2. by Nicki, age 17 – Dakota High School
Students gateway
by Nicki, age 17 – Dakota High School
There is so much that you have missed Since you have left this earth Like birthdays and funerals And even death and birth
There were so many tears You missed cheering up There were so many smiles You missed looking up
Looking at other moms and daughters Making memories having a blast Makes me think of you and me Making my memories in the past
When the camera captured The pictures of you and me It made me think back To when you had to leave me
The last minute I had to see you in pain Was when I knew you were swept away The day you had to leave Has come and gone away
But I am still here To tell people your story People give me some hugs And say I’m sorry

3. Students gateway
Dennis, this started one day when I was just screwing around; one of the days that I was hurting. I paint a lot when my emotions become overwhelming, because I find it soothing. Any rate, I was throwing paint around and thinking about things and I ended up with this. This one is pretty rough, but it is now the original that has inspired many Detour paintings to come. I want you to have it; to show my appreciation for all that you are, for KnowResolve, and all of the meaning behind all of this. Maybe someday someone can find the comfort that I do just by looking at it. – Heather

5. Knowing the facts about suicide
Stress can cause alienation-feeling isolated and separated from everyone else.
Those who are alienated may:
Be unable to cope with difficult life experiences.
Lack the support from family and friends.
Be unable to access community resources for help.
Seek to escape from the pain and consider ending their lives.
Suicide is the act of intentionally taking one’s own life.
In 2007 Suicide was the third leading cause of death for teens ages 15 to 19.
17 percent of all teens in this age group will consider suicide. More than HALF will actually attempt it.

6. Knowing The facts about suicide
In 2010 (latest available info) more than 38,000 people died by suicide.
A person dies by suicide about every 14 minutes in the United States.
Approximately 1 in 7 high school students seriously consider suicide.
Knowresolve.org

7. Depression and Mental Disorders
Suicide Risk Factors
More than 90% are suffering from depression or another mental disorder.
Why is depression and mental disorders considered a risk factor for suicide?
Have a depressant effect and lower one’s inhibitions, making self- destructive behavior more likely.
Usually have more than one risk factor, such as:
A stressful situation or loss
Previous suicide attempts
Family history of mental disorders
Substance abuse
Access to guns
Depression and Mental Disorders
Alcohol and Drugs

8. Cluster Suicides?
Exposure to other teens who have died by suicide is a risk factor that can lead to cluster suicides.
Cluster suicides are a series of suicides occurring within a short period of time and involving several people in the same school or community.
Account for about 5 percent of all teen suicides.
Some cluster suicides result from pacts made among peers.
Some may learn of suicides through the news media.
Why could this be considered a concern?

9. Strategies to prevent suicide
Most suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and actions are expressions of extreme distress.
A person DISPLAYING only a few signs may not necessarily be considering suicide.
When someone talks about suicide-take it seriously.
Any talk or suggestions of suicide require immediate attention.
NEVER agree to keep a secret if a friend says he or she is considering suicide.

10. Recognizing the warning signs of Suicide
Direct statements such as “I wish I were dead.”
Indirect statements such as “I can’t take this anymore.”
An unusual obsession with death
Withdrawal from friends
A sense of guilt, shame, or rejection; negative self- evaluation
Giving away personal belongings
Substance abuse
Violent actions, rebellious behavior, or running away
Intolerance for praise or awards
Writing poems, song lyrics, or diary entries that deal with death

11. How you can help
Those who are considering suicide often believe that their death will not matter to anyone.
Showing empathy will let them know you are concerned.
What you can do to help:
Initiate a meaningful conversation.
Show support and ask questions.
Try to persuade the person to seek help.
If you believe a friend may be suicidal, tell an adult, and find out what steps the adult will take.
If the adult doesn’t seem to believe the threat is serious, talk to other adults until someone takes action.