1. Grief and Loss

2. The grieving process Grief – express deep sadness because of loss
5 stages of grieving process
Denial: gives you a chance to think
Anger: normal (anger management)
Bargaining: promise to change
Depression: short term is normal
Acceptance: learn how to live with the loss

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

4. What are some different things you’ve seen at funerals or memorials?

5. 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?
Headaches, stomachaches, increased blood pressure, irritability, interrupted sleep, confusion, inability concentrating, stress related illness.

6. Help for dealing with loss
Helping yourself
Get plenty of rest/relaxation and stick to any normal routine
Share memories
Express your feelings
Don’t blame yourself
Connect with supportive, understanding people
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
Listen attentively without judgment
Encourage professional help if needed

7. Suicide and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI)

8. 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?

9. 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 could have many warning signs – however, sometimes there are few signs
Use of drugs/alcohol can put people at risk because of impaired judgment

10. Facts about Suicide Cont.
3rd leading cause of death for ages 15 – 24
Depression and bipolar disorder are major risk factors.
Stressful life events and low levels of communication with parents are also significant risk factors.
More women attempt suicide and more men complete suicide. In 2010, males aged were 4X more likely to complete suicide than females.

11. Keep in mind!
It should be noted that some people who die by suicide do not show any suicide warning signs.
But, about 75 percent of those who die by suicide do exhibit some warning signs, so being aware of these warning signs means we will be more able to assist a loved one in need.
If you do see someone exhibiting warning signs of suicide, you need to do everything you can to help them, which often includes connecting them with professional help.
Suicide.org

12. Warning signs for suicide
Feeling hopeless
Withdrawing from family and friends; isolating
Neglecting basic needs
Experiencing loss of energy
Taking more risks
Using alcohol and drugs
Giving away personal things

13. Giving and Getting Help
Take all talk of suicide seriously
Tell your friend you are concerned about them
Help your friend identify 1-2 adults to talk to (i.e. parent, counselor), and offer to go with them if they’re nervous
Don’t keep concern for a friend’s safety a secret – don’t promise to keep secrets when one’s safety is involved
**VIDEO

14. N.S.S.I. Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Common forms of NSSI:
Cutting, burning, scratching, skin-picking, hair-pulling
90% of people who self-injure begin cutting as teens
Self-injury is prevalent in ALL races and economic backgrounds.

15. Differentiating NSSI and Suicide Attempts
Characteristic
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury
Suicide Attempt
Intent/Purpose for Behavior
To temporarily escape from psychological distress.
To create change in self or environment.
To permanently terminate consciousness/end of life.
To escape unbearable psychological pain.
Severity/Lethality of Method Use
Low
High
Behavior Frequency
High, sometimes more than 100 episodes.
Often chronic and repetitive.
Low typically 1 to 3 episodes.
Number of Methods Used
Multiple methods used across episodes.
Single method used across episodes.
Cognitive State During Self-harm
Distressed yet hopeful.
Difficulty implementing adaptive problem-solving.
Hopeless/Helpless.
Inability to problem solve.
Consequences/Aftermath
Intrapersonally
Sense of relief, calm.
Temporarily reduced distress.
Frustration, disappointment.
Increased distress.
Interpersonally
Rejection, criticism from others.
Other express care and concern.