Counselor Information Mrs. Montfort and Mrs. Cutrer, by law, have to call parents ANYTIME a student speaks of self-harm….even if you are playing around. Please do not joke about harming yourself. Self-harm includes talk of suicide, cutting, etc.

Counselor Information Con’t. Teachers and/or students MUST immediately let us know of any self-harm talk, even if it is said in a joking manner. If teachers and/or students notice any cut marks on students, we must be made aware immediately.

Counselor Information Con’t. If we are not at school and you know a friend is threatening suicide, call 911, tell your parent, call their parent or call the Suicide Hotline at or SUICIDE. This could save your friend’s life.

“A Promise for Tomorrow” In 1999, U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. David Satcher, declared suicide as a “National Health Problem”… especially within the youth and elderly populations.

Let’s see what you already know about the problem of Youth Suicide. “A Promise for Tomorrow”

Questions True or False

Question 1 Suicide is the THIRD leading cause of death among young people between the ages of 10 and 24.

Answer TRUE

In the United States How many young people do we lose, each year, to suicide?

It is estimated that We will lose approximately 5,000 young people to suicide each year.

Each week, We lose approximately 100 young people to the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide.

Question 2 People who talk about or threaten suicide rarely die by suicide.

Answer FALSE

Question 3 Approximately one young person dies by suicide every 2 hours.

Answer TRUE

Question 4 Talking to someone about suicidal feelings may cause them to attempt suicide.

Answer FALSE

Question 5 Suicide is Preventable.

Answer TRUE

Question 6 People who are contemplating suicide almost always tell someone beforehand.

Answer TRUE

In fact, In almost 70% of all suicides the person told someone their intentions at least ONE hour before. Why didn’t that person say anything about what they had been told?

Youth Suicide Statistics Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people, ages 10 to 24. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for college-age youth. Youth suicides have tripled since the late 1960s. Approximately 100 young people lose their lives to suicide in the U.S. every week. There has been over a 100% increase in suicides for 10 to 14 year olds since More teenagers and young adults are lost to suicide than die from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza and chronic lung disease, combined.

Just a Bad Day or Something More… Is it normal to have a “bad” day? Do you think everyone feels sad or down at times? What are some words you use to describe how you feel on your bad days. Does anyone notice when you are having a bad day? If yes, who? How do you know they notice? How can you determine if it is more than “just a bad day”?

Signs of Concern Let’s look at some signs of concern (warning signs) that may indicate a person might be having thoughts of suicide. Suicide Threats Previous Suicide Attempts Sudden Changes in Behavior Depression Final Arrangements

Suicide Threats “I would be better off dead.” “You won’t have me around to bother you much longer!” “I wish I was dead.” “I wish I could go to sleep and never wake up.” “I am going to kill myself.” (This is very straight forward, but it happens.)

Previous Suicide Attempts Four out of five completed suicides are not the first attempt. Physical mutilation (cutting) is a sign of wanting to hurt one’s self physically to relieve an emotional pain…it can sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts. Even if the attempt seems to be “only for attention”, take it as a serious cry for help and seek help immediately.

Sudden Changes in Behavior A loud person becomes quiet and reserved or a quiet person becomes loud and obvious. A person withdraws from activities he or she used to enjoy. A gentle person becomes aggressive and angers easily. An outgoing person becomes withdrawn. Declining grades or changes in class attendance.

Depression Feeling sad or hopeless every day for two weeks or longer Feelings of being alone or of no one caring Sleeplessness or wanting to sleep an abnormal amount of time Eating disorders - eating too much or not enough Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed

Final Arrangements Giving away “prized possessions” Favorite piece of jewelry or clothing Driver’s license Collection – cards, music, etc. “Making rounds” Visiting friends to set things right and / or say good-bye. Sharing of funeral plans Primarily by girls to a best friend.

How to Help Talk, Listen and Respond with: L. I. F. E. L isten I nsist on honesty F eelings - share them E xtend a helping hand

L.I.F.E. IT’S ABOUT LIVING LIFE! L – represents the very first thing you must do. LISTEN I – represents the second thing you can do to help. INSIST ON HONESTY F – s tands for the third thing you can do to help your friend, talk about FEELINGS, yours and theirs. E – is for EXTEND A HELPING HAND. Go with your friend to get help.

Resources for Help Favorite Teacher or Coach Parent Minister/Clergy Guidance Counselor Medical Doctor Other Trusted Adult Local Crisis Line Local Mental Health Center

Friends Helping Friends If you see any of the signs mentioned in a friend or a classmate, tell a responsible adult immediately. Be willing to risk your friendship to save a friend. REMEMBER Your knowledge of suicidal ideation could save someone’s life.