1. TEEN SUICIDE A permanent solution to a temporary problem

2. SUICIDE Suicide is the third leading cause of death behind accidents and homicides Suicide is the forth leading cause of death of children 10-14 For each teen suicide death 8-25 teens have attempted suicide More males die from suicide than females Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students 1 in 5 teens have thought about suicide 1 in 6 teens have made plans of suicide 1 in 12 teens have attempted suicide Prior to successful suicide attempts as many as 8 in 10 teens tried to ask for help

3. CAUSES OF SUICIDE Depression – feelings of being trapped in a life that can’t be handled Divorce of parents Violence in the home Feelings of worthlessness Rejection by friends or peers Substance abuse Death of someone close Suicide of a family member or friend Being bullied or being a bully

4. DEPRESSION Depression has a destructive way of leading people to focus on failure Depression distorts a persons thoughts in such a way they can’t see that the problem can be overcome Bipolar Disorder: More at-risk to attempt. People with bipolar disorder have times when they are extremely depressed or abnormally high (mania). Could Romeo have been bipolar???

5. BULLYCIDE: Suicide caused by bullying Become a HERO in the crowd Stand Up Speak Out Take a Stand Take Action

6. SUICIDE AND RELIGION Buddhist refrain from the destruction of life including on oneself. Buddhist believe if one commits suicide they will re-experience the suicidal act every 7 days until reincarnation. Buddhism does not condemn suicide. Christianity: There were 7 suicides in the bible. Judas who betrayed Jesus is the most notable. The catholic church believes suicide is a grave or serious sin. Hinduism: Suicide is equally as serious as killing another human. They believe that one who commits suicide will become a ghost and walk the earth until the time they were originally suppose to die. Islam: Views suicide as a series sin and detrimental to one’s spiritual journey Jainism: One of the only religions that permits suicide. They have been known to starve themselves to death. Judaism: View suicide as a cardinal sin. Such sin will deny a person into the afterlife

7. SIGNS, signs EVERWHERE are signs…are you watching??? 4 out of 5 teens who attempt suicide have given clear warning signs Talks about death, writes poems, essays and drawings that refer to death Plans ways to kill self Expresses worries that nobody cares for him/her Has attempted in the past Has dramatic changes in their personality and behavior Withdrawals from friends and family Shows signs of depression Acts recklessly and engages in risk behaving behavior Begins to give away sentimental and valuable belongings Spends time online with people who glamorize suicide or maybe form suicide packs. What signs did Romeo present with?

8. SUICIDE IS PREVENTABLE: Become a Gatekeeper! If a friend or family member is suicidal they shouldn’t be left alone! Suicidal teens shouldn’t have access to firearms, medications, or other dangerous items Talk to your friend: Be direct…ask him/her if they are suicidal Show concern- don’t judge or try to convince them that “it’s not that bad” Take suicide talk and attempts SERIOUSLY! GET HELP!!! Suicide is not a secret you can keep. Tell a parent, teacher, counselor. Help them feel supported If someone you know has committed suicide seek counseling for yourself. “Suicide doesn’t get rid of your pain, it just passes it on to your loved ones”

9. Get Help! Suicide Prevention Hotlines: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) “Suicide is not chosen, it happens when pain exceeds resources for coping with pain”