1. Lets Reverse The Skit
Lets say John and Tim did not keep their promise to Dave and told a responsible adult:
How do you think Dave would react to John and Tim ?
Did John and Tim do the wrong thing ?
Why or why not ?

2. Fastest Growing Killer
Suicide is the fastest growing killer of the most precious resource in our country

3. Recent Statistics
14 teens complete suicide everyday in the U.S. (x by 4.5)
Suicide is a common thought to 62% of U.S. adolescents
Within a typical classroom, it is likely that 3 students ( 2 girls and 1 boy) have made a suicide attempt within the last year

4. Adolescent Suicides

5. Myths About Teen Suicide
Youth who talk about suicide rarely attempt it
Talking about suicide will make it happen
The tendency toward suicide is inherited
Teen suicides happen at night
Suicidal people leave notes
If a person wants to die of suicide nothing can stop him or her
Once a teen has been suicidal he/she is never out of danger

6. They Just Want Their Pain To Stop
They Don’t Want To Die
They Just Want Their Pain To Stop

7. Main Causes of Suicide Substance Abuse Break up of the family
Depression
Feelings of insecurity
Illness
Broken love affairs
Economic conditions - poverty or wealth

8. Danger Signs Talking or joking about suicide
Statements about being reunited with a dead loved one
Statements about hopelessness, worthlessness
Preoccupation with death. In person’s music, art, writings, literature
Suddenly happier, calmer
Loss of interest in things once cared deeply about
Giving away prized possessions

9. Danger Signs Continued
Unusual visiting or calling people one cares about - saying their good byes
Self destructive behavior (alcohol or other drugs abuse, self injury, mutilation, promiscuity
Risk taking behaviors (reckless driving, walking in front of traffic, etc.)
Having several accidents resulting in injury
Obsession with guns and/or knives

10. How You Can Help Don’t call them “stupid” Be a good listener
Don’t suggest that they go and do it
Be aware of fast recoveries
Don’t be sworn to secrecy - tell a responsible adult
Don’t leave your friend alone if they are in an acute crisis
Remind the person that they can get help for depression
Help them realize a completed suicide is irreversible

11. 4 Questions That Could Save a Life
Are you thinking about harming yourself?
What is going on?
Where are you experiencing pain?
What can I do to help?

12. If A Friend Wants To Talk
Accept what is said and treat it seriously
Do not over advise
Do not preach
Do not say say “everything will be all right”
Do not back off or try to delay dealing with your friend
Do not be sworn to secrecy

13. Things You May Want to Say to a Friend in Crisis
I appreciate and value our friendship
You have a lot to offer the world
I would miss you
Help them think about reasons for living!!!!!

14. If You Are Struggling
The following is what I have observed to be of great help for teens who are struggling with depression:
Taking advantage of interesting and challenging opportunities through youth programs, co-curricular activities, and church youth programs
Getting to know an adult in their life that they admire
Finding opportunities to build relationships with younger children(reading to them, tutoring, etc.)

15. Advice from Fellow Teens
“It is nice to have friends your own age to confide in, but problems get solved faster when you talk to someone with more life experience and wisdom.” (Shawnelle)
“Negative thinking was a major factor in my depression. Everyone deserves to feel happy - some just have to work harder at it.” (Mackenzie)

16. Good News Depression is treatable.
The knowledge for treating depression has doubled the last 7 years since it was first treated.
Depressed teens can significantly get better when they follow the treatment plan.

17. Asking for Help I’m feeling awful, I might depressed
I am feeling down and don’t care about anything anymore
I don’t like the way I have been acting lately. I am angry, sad and scared. Maybe I need to see a doctor.
I need to tell someone how sad and confused I feel.

18. Another Way to Ask
Have you ever felt no one cared about you and you weren’t sure why?
Have you ever felt sad and afraid, like you might be depressed or crazy?
Did someone ever break up with you and you thought you’d never be happy again?
Have you ever felt like nothing matters? Like everything is falling apart?

19. Be Careful What We Say
Calling people “Gay” It may not mean anything to you, but to a person struggling with sexual orientation issues it is very hurtful
Teasing people about their weight
Teasing a student about his parent’s drinking problem

20. Our Words Can hurt more than we think they do
Can hurt far more than we intend them to.

21. Remember
Everyone has a purpose in life. None of us are here by mistake
Someone loves you