1. Chapter 5 Helping to prevent one of our loved ones from committing suicide

2. I Am Not OK-Teen suicide prevention and awareness

3. Who is a Gatekeeper?
Coach
Teacher
Pastor
Friend

4. Overcoming our Emotional Reactions to warning signs
What are the warning signs?
Verbal or behavioral?
Our Emotional Reactions
Fear-the very idea that someone wants to die
Denial-we didn’t hear what we heard
Deny the warning signs “people who talk about suicide don’t do it”
Shock-How can this be?
Anger-why didn’t they come to me sooner?

5. Understanding Suicide
They have problems just like we have problems.
The difference is that, if that for the moment, we feel we can handle our problems and do not feel overwhelmed by them.
Suicide seems like a solution to a problem.
Suicide seems like a solution to many unsolvable problems.

6. Suicide occurs: During: times of personal crisis Unrelenting stress
Depression
When we are confronted with a fear of failure
The spectator of an unacceptable loss

7. Impulsive act?
Although sometimes an impulsive act, most people will think about suicide for days, weeks, months or even years before they make an attempt.
Oddly, once the decision to commit suicide has been decided, it brings about a relief that all one’s problems can finally be solved and to the terror at the idea of having to die to find relief.

8. Clues and warning signs to suicide
Clues and warning signs come in different forms.
One clue or warning sign may not mean a great deal, but any warning sign suggesting acute distress, despair, or hopelessness about the future or a desire to “end it all” is worth asking about.

9. Direct Verbal Clues I’ve decided to kill myself I wish I were dead
I’m going to commit suicide
I’m going to end it all
If (such and such ) doesn’t happen, I’ll kill myself.

10. Indirect or coded verbal clues
I’m tired of life
What’s the point of going on?
My family would be better off without me
Who cares if I’m dead anyway?
I can’t go on anymore
I just want out
I’m tired of it all
You would be better off without me
I’m calling it quits, living is useless
Soon I won’t be around
You shouldn’t have to take care of me any longer
Soon, you won’t have to worry about me any longer
You’re going to regret how you’ve treated me
Here take this (cherished possession); I won’t be needing it.

11. Behavioral Clues Donating body to a medical school Purchasing a gun
Stockpiling pills
Putting personal and business affairs in order
Making or changing a will
Taking our insurance or changing beneficiaries
Giving away money or prized possessions
Making funeral plans
Changes in behavior, waving or kissing goodbye, (especially if not characteristic)
Sudden interest in church or religion

12. Situational Clues
Sudden rejection by a loved one (boyfriend/girlfriend), or unwanted separation or divorce
Recent move, especially if unwanted
Death of a spouse, child, friend (especially if by suicide or accident)
Diagnosis of a terminal illness
Sudden unexpected loss of freedom (about to be arrested)
Anticipated loss of financial security

13. Depression Is the common cold of modern life
Both biological and psychological
#1 cause of suicidal behavior

14. Symptoms of depression
Wishing to be dead
Nervousness
Crying
Inability to concentrate
Poor sleep
Fatigue
Irritability
Loss of interest in friends, food and fun

15. Bad news, depression is common
Bad news, depression is common. Good news, it responds well to treatment

16. How to help Question Persuade someone to get help
Referral – refer to someone for help

17. Suicide Prevention

18. Written Assignment
Write a one-page paper on one of the following topics:
“Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem”
“Talking about the problem is the most effective weapon against teenage suicide”
“It takes more courage to live than to die”
Should terminally ill people have the right to determine how and when to die?

19. Paper must include:
Main Idea-clear and supporting information is relevant, accurate, and detailed
Organization and Sentence structure – paragraphs, complete sentences, smooth- flowing information
Mechanics-spelling, grammar capitalization
Format – neat and legible