1. Suicide An introduction: 24% of deaths in 15-24 year olds due to suicide 16% of deaths of 25-44 year olds attributed to suicide Second leading cause of death in Canadians aged 10-24 73% of hospital admissions due to attempted suicides aged 15-44

2. Facts & Myths about Suicide State whether you agree or disagree with the statements below: 1. A D Young people rarely think about suicide. 2. A D Talking about suicide will give people the idea, permission, to consider suicide as a solution to their problems. 3. A D Suicide is sudden and unpredictable. 4. A D Suicidal youth are only seeking attention or trying to manipulate others. 5. A D Suicidal people are determined to die. 6. A D A suicidal person will always be at risk.

3. Why Youth Attempt/Complete Suicide Life is unbearable Experience a sense of hopelessness & desperation Overwhelming lack of hope about future Depression Stress Changes to community, society and/or world Physical and psychological changes Exposure to suicide Suicide clusters or copycat suicides

4. What would a depressed/suicidal person experience? Negative feelings about self Sadness or apathy Tendency to blame themselves Loss or increase in appetite Change in sleep patterns Loss of interest in life

5. Behavioral Signs of Suicide Increasing alcohol or drug use Changes in patterns of school attendance ie. Truancy Major changes in school performance Taking risks/becoming sexually promiscuous Running away from home Loss of interest in hobbies, school, work Withdrawal from family and friends Preoccupation with death

6. Physical Signs of Suicide Neglect of appearance Sudden change in the manner of dress Chronic or unexplained illnesses, aches or pains Sudden weight gain or loss Change in appetite

7. Emotional Signs of Suicide Sense of hopelessness Inability to enjoy friendships Wide mood changes /changes in personality Depression sadness Feelings of guilt/failure Self-destructive thoughts Lethargy or tiredness Anxiousness, extreme tension or agitation

8. Dealing With A Potential Suicide 1. Talk/Listen: Listen without judgement Find a quiet place to talk Talking can only decrease the likelihood of suicide 2. Express Feelings: Ask about recent events Encourage them to express feelings Do not minimize feelings

9. Dealing With Suicide cont.. 3. Question: Ask if they have a plan Share your concern but respect their feelings 4. Make a Plan Together: Make a plan for the next few hours/days Let them know when you are available Make contact with him/her

10. Dealing With Suicide cont… 5. Awareness of Community Resources: Share knowledge of available assistance(guidance counsellor, family, friends, crisis centres) 6. Stay In Touch: Praise person for their courage Reaffirm your belief that they can overcome this with help

11. Quotes on Suicide Prevention Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light. --Albus Dumbledore Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened. -- Dr. Seuss