1. Chapter 15 Understanding and Preventing Suicide

2. © Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.2 Chapter Objectives 1.Give current statistics on suicide in the United States 2.List and describe the factors that contribute to suicide 3.Describe the relationship between guns and completed suicides (continues)

3. © Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.3 Chapter Objectives (continued) 4.Explain how mental disorders and sub- stance abuse are associated with suicide 5.List and describe the warning signs for suicide 6.Describe what individuals, families, schools, and communities can do to prevent suicide 7.Develop a suicide prevention plan

4. © Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.4 Introduction Teens have a high rate of suicide compared to other age groups Preventing suicide is possible with skills, resources, and time The truth is that even serious problems are temporary and can be handled with help and coping skills

5. © Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.5 Understanding Suicide Defined as taking intentional, self-inflicted action to end one’s own life Suicide is usually a response to emotional pain Third leading cause of death for people ages 15–24 All attempted suicides are cries for help

6. © Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.6 Contributing Factors Sense of hopelessness and despair Inability to deal with problems Mental disorders and substance abuse Situational stressors Access to lethal methods Previous suicide attempts Exposure to suicide of others

7. © Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.7 Protective Factors Problem-solving skills Ability to control impulses Conflict-resolution skills Resiliency Access to mental health professionals and treatment Restriction from means of committing suicide (guns, pills, etc.)

8. © Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.8 Warning Signs Talking about suicide –Direct comments –Indirect comments Changes in behavior –Trouble eating and sleeping –Withdrawing from friends or becoming unusually social –Preoccupation with death and dying –Losing interest in hobbies and activities –Giving away cherished possessions (continues)

9. © Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.9 Warning Signs (continued) Emotional stressors – Depression – Rejection, loss, or humiliation – Hopelessness

10. © Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.10 Prevention Communicate Suggest alternatives Connect person with helping resources Mental health professionals Families Schools Communities

11. © Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.11 Summary Many individuals think about suicide Teens are at an especially high risk Anyone considering suicide should seek help Anyone who knows someone who is considering suicide should attempt to help that person There are always options other than suicide – help is available