1. Gainesville Professional Counseling Center
Suicide Prevention
Presented by
Lorrie Beyerl, LPC, NCC
Leslie Stachelski , LPC
Gainesville Professional Counseling Center

2. Youth Suicide Statistics
Suicide is the SECOND leading cause of death for ages (2014 CDC WISQARS)
Suicide is the SECOND leading cause of death for college-age youth and ages (2014 CDC WISQARS)
More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, and chronic lung disease, COMBINED.
Each day in our nation, there are an average of over 5,240 attempts by young people grades 7-12.
Four out of Five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warning signs

3. Causes – Why do some people choose suicide?
Depression, including Seasonal Affective Disorder
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Anxiety disorders
Personality disorders

4. Suicide Warning Signs and Symptoms
Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. This is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.

5. Warning Signs and Symptoms: TALK
If a person talks about:
Being a burden to others
Feeling trapped
Experiencing unbearable pain
Having no reason to live
Killing themselves

6. Warning Signs and Symptoms: BEHAVIOR
Specific things to look out for include:
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online for materials or means
Acting recklessly
Withdrawing from activities
Isolating from family and friends
Sleeping too much or too little
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
Giving away prized possessions
Aggression

7. Warning Signs and Symptoms: MOOD
People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:
Depression
Loss of interest
Rage
Irritability
Humiliation
Excessive guilt or shame
Anxiety

8. Risk Factors
Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
Alcohol and other substance use disorders
Hopelessness
Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
History of trauma or abuse
Major physical illnesses
Previous suicide attempt(s)
Family history of suicide
Loss of relationship(s)
Easy access to lethal means
Local clusters of suicide
Lack of social support and sense of isolation
Stigma associated with asking for help
Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)

9. Action Steps: How to Help a Suicidal Person
Always take suicidal comments very seriously. 
When a person says that he or she is thinking about suicide, you must always take the comments seriously.
Assuming that the person is only seeking attention is a very serious, and potentially disastrous, error.
Get help immediately.
Try not to act shocked or angry. 
The person is already highly distressed, and if you are shocked or upset with them by what is said, the person will become more distressed.
Stay calm, and talk with him or her in a matter-of-fact manner, but get help immediately.

10. Action Steps: How to Help a Suicidal Person
Get help immediately. Call 911, SUICIDE, or TALK. 
This point cannot be overemphasized; a person who is suicidal needs immediate professional help.
Do not handle the situation by yourself. 
A suicidal person needs immediate assistance from qualified mental health professionals. Again, call 911, SUICIDE, or TALK.
Do not allow untrained individuals to act as the only counselors to the individual.

11. Assessment
Children and teens who are feeling suicidal need to be evaluated by a mental health professional:
Licensed Counselor or Licensed Social Worker, Psychiatrist or Psychologist
It is preferable that the professional that is assessing the child or teen be experienced in diagnosing and treating children with mental health problems.
The mental health professional will want to get an accurate picture of what's going on from a variety of sources, such as the young person, parents or guardians, others close to the child, and previous medical or psychiatric evaluations.

12. Emergency Treatment
If the mental health professional determines that the child is in need of emergency treatment, the child will be sent to the hospital for immediate treatment.
While hospitalized, the child will be seen by a psychiatrist to be assessed for medication and by a counselor for therapy. Typically the child will be involved in group therapy while hospitalized.
The hospital will want the child to stay in the hospital long enough to make sure any treatments are working, that she or he will be safe when they leave and that they'll get the follow-up treatment they need.

13. Non-emergency Treatment
If the child has suicidal thoughts but isn’t in a crisis situation, she or he may need outpatient treatment. This treatment may include:
Psychotherapy. In psychotherapy, also called psychological counseling or talk therapy, the child will explore the issues that make him or her feel suicidal and learn skills to help manage emotions more effectively. The child and their therapist can work together to develop a treatment plan and goals.
Medications. Antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, anti-anxiety medications and other medications for mental illness can help reduce symptoms, which can help the child feel less suicidal.
Addiction treatment. Treatment for drug or alcohol addiction can include detoxification, addiction treatment programs and self-help group meetings.
Family support and education. The child’s loved ones can be both a source of support and conflict. Involving them in treatment can help them understand what the child is going through, give them better coping skills, and improve family communication and relationships.

14. Resources Helpful resources to understanding and preventing suicide:
Suicide.org:
Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:
1-800-SUICIDE ( )
TALK (8255)

15. QUESTIONS? Gainesville Professional Counseling Center
7450 Heritage Village Plaza Suite 101 Gainesville, VA 20155