1. Grief and Suicide

2. Grief A natural response or expression to any loss or difficult change
Experienced by all people
Expressed in varying ways

3. Types of Losses Death of a loved one Separation or divorce Miscarriage
Illness, injury, or disability
Loss of job, property or pet
Children leaving home (empty nest syndrome)
Health
Loss of safety after a traumatic event
Moving
Graduation
Retiring

4. Five Stages of Loss by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
1. Denial – deny the loss, have a feeling of numbness
2. Anger – feeling of being cheated or treated unfairly
3. Bargaining – feeling that if you had done something differently things would be different, or the “take me instead” perception

5. 5. Acceptance – transition toward life as it has changed
4. Depression - may have little interest in life or feeling unable to complete or engage in simple tasks
5. Acceptance – transition toward life as it has changed

6. Funerals, Wakes, and Memorial Services
Purpose: Help the family get through the grieving process.
Funeral – ceremony in which deceased person is buried.
Wake – view or watch over deceased person before funeral.
Memorial Service – ceremony to remember the deceased.

7. What are some physical and emotional effects of stress?
Coping with Loss
Loss can cause stress.
What are some physical and emotional effects of stress?
Tension headaches, increase in blood pressure, irritable, confused, stress related illness.

8. Help for dealing with loss
Helping yourself
Get plenty of rest/relaxation but stick to any normal routine
Share memories
Express your feelings
Don’t blame yourself
Helping others
Show your support through simple actions
Let the person know you are there for him/her
Tell the person they are strong and will learn to live with the loss
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9. What to Say: I'm sorry I'm sad for you
How are you doing with all this?
I don't know why it happened
What can I do for you?
I'm here and I want to listen
Please tell me what you are feeling
This must be hard for you
What's the hardest part for you?
I'll call you tomorrow (and do it!)
You must really be hurting
It isn't fair, is it?
You must really feel angry
Take all the time you need
Thank you for sharing your feelings

10. A permanent solution to a temporary problem.
SUICIDE:
Words that warn:
“I wish I were dead.”
“I just want to go to sleep & never wake up.”
“I won’t be a problem for you much longer.”
“I can’t take it anymore.”
“This pain will be over soon.”
“Nothing matters.”
Definition: the act of intentionally taking one’s life
Why is suicide an uncomfortable topic?
What are some myths or facts about suicide?
Video clip on Myths

11. Facts about suicide
Many people who consider suicide only do so for a brief period in their life
Most people who have attempted and failed are usually grateful to be alive
Suicide has many warning signs
Use of drugs/alcohol can put people at risk because of impaired judgment

12. Facts about Suicide Cont.
3rd leading cause of death for ages 15 – 24
More women attempt suicide and more men commit suicide
Males are 4 times more likely to die from suicide
Video on facts about suicide on picture

13. More Stats Statistics on Suicide
Each suicide intimately affects at least 6 other people; there is a suicide every 16.6 minutes,
Approximately 11.0 youth complete suicide each day…that’s one young person every 2 hours and 11 minutes
Annually, 790,000 Americans have attempted to kill themselves

14. WHY DO TEENS COMMIT SUICIDE?
Undefeatable conflict
Every problem has a solution! Gather information and seek out help to overcome this conflict.

15. WHY DO TEENS COMMIT SUICIDE?
To punish significant people
People will feel terrible, but your life will be gone. You are the one being punished.

16. WHY DO TEENS COMMIT SUICIDE?
Intolerable living situations
Remember…you are going to grow up and eventually leave your home. Time and age are on your side.

17. WHY ELSE DO TEENS COMMIT SUICIDE?
Pressure to be responsible and to succeed
Failure in relationship or divorce
Failures in school or work
Pregnancy or STD
Trouble with the law
Death or separation
Medical problems
Family problems
Alcohol or drug abuse
Financial difficulties

18. Warning signs for suicide
Feeling hopeless
Withdrawing from family and friends
Neglecting basic needs
Experiencing loss of energy
Taking more risks
Using alcohol and drugs
Giving away personal things
Video on bottom picture

19. What NOT To Do Do not sound or act shocked.
Do not just try to cheer your friend up.
Do not use emotional blackmail or guilt such as, “think of how upset your friends and family will be.”
Do not promise to keep the plan a secret.

20. Remember CLUES Five Action Steps to Help a Troubled Person
Connect. -Make contact. Reach out, talk to them. Notice their pain.
Listen. -Take the time and really pay attention. You don't have to have all the answers. Just listen.
Understand. -Nod, pay attention, let them know you appreciate what they are going through.
Express Concern. -Say that you care, worried, and want to help.
Seek Help. -Tell them you want to go with them to talk to a third person, preferably an adult with experience and the ability to help. Enlarge the circle of support.

21. Giving and Getting Help
Take all talk of suicide seriously
Tell your friend suicide is not the answer
Change negative thoughts into positive ones
Don’t keep a secret
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22. SUICIDAL THOUGHTS - WHAT TO DO
Dial: 911
Dial: Macomb County Crisis Center - (24 hours)
Dial: TALK
Check yourself into the emergency room.
Tell someone who can help you find help immediately.
Stay away from things that might hurt you.
Most people can be treated with a combination of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy.