1. SUICIDE STATISTICS Suicide is the third leading cause of death for people 15-24 in the USA. Males are four times more likely to die from suicide than females.

2. More Stats 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…thats one young person every 2 hours and 11 minutes Annually, 790,000 Americans have attempted to kill themselves

3. WHY DO TEENS COMMIT SUICIDE? Undefeatable conflict –Every problem has a solution! Gather information and seek out help to over come this conflict.

4. 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.

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

6. 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

7. WARNING SIGNALS Changes in eating habitsChanges in eating habits Changes in sleeping pattersChanges in sleeping patters Aggressive, hostile behaviorAggressive, hostile behavior Drug and/or alcohol abuseDrug and/or alcohol abuse Mood swings/personality changesMood swings/personality changes Decline in schoolworkDecline in schoolwork Neglecting personal appearanceNeglecting personal appearance

8. MORE WARNING SIGNS Inability to concentrate Preoccupation with death Withdraw from friends and family Loss of interest in activities Talking about death and suicide Giving away prized possessions Making a will

9. 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.

10. Take the threat seriously

11. Remember CLUES Five Action Steps to Help a Troubled Person C onnect. -Make contact. Reach out, talk to them. Notice their pain. L isten. -Take the time and really pay attention. You don't have to have all the answers. Just listen. U nderstand. - Nod, pay attention, let them know you appreciate what they are going through. E xpress Concern. -Say that you care, worried, and want to help. S eek 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.

12. SUICIDAL THOUGHTS - WHAT TO DO Dial: 911 Dial: Macomb County Crisis Center - (24 hours) 586-307-9100 Dial: 1-800-273-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.