H.E.L.P. Suicide Prevention Curriculum for High School Helping Every Living Person Suicide Prevention Curriculum for High School

Stress: What is it? The way your mind and body react to changes, challenges, and threats Stress is normal Not all stress is bad When ordinary stress becomes too much = distress slide#1

Healthy & Unhealthy Coping Examples of healthy coping: Listening to soothing music Exercising Examples of unhealthy coping: Using drugs or alcohol Beating up on your sibling slide#2

Depression: What is it? Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair that persist and interfere with academics, work performance, or interpersonal relationships slide#3

Adolescent Depression: The Signs Irritability Overreaction to criticism Problems with authority Persistent feelings of sadness Drop in school performance Indecision, lack of concentration Poor self-esteem Frequent physical complaints slide#4

Treatment for Depression Brief counseling Psychotherapy Medication slide#5

Resources School counselor Crisis telephone hotlines: Parents Clergy - 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) - 1-866-4-U-Trevor (LGBTQI+ hotline – 1-866-488-7386) Parents Clergy Coaches, teachers, youth leaders Physicians, pediatricians, other health care providers Psychiatrists, psychologists, other mental health counselors slide#6

Suicidal Behaviors Thoughts Attempts Death slide#7

Facts & Myths about Suicide 1. If my friend talked about suicide, even jokingly, they could really mean it and might commit suicide. ANSWER: True 2. Once a teen attempts suicide, they have a higher risk for attempting again. 3. Teens who use drugs or alcohol are not at a greater risk for committing suicide. ANSWER: False slide#8

Facts & Myths about Suicide 4. If you ask a troubled friend if they are suicidal, you will be planting the idea in their head. ANSWER: False 5. Reckless driving or doing dangerous things that could lead to death might be a sign that a teen is having thoughts of suicide or is unclear whether they want to live. ANSWER: True Suicide is the third most common cause of death among adolescents and young adults in the U.S. slide#9

Facts & Myths about Suicide Over 30% of LGBTQI+ youth attempt suicide. ANSWER: True 8. There are no warning signs before a suicide takes place. ANSWER: False 9. Once a teen is suicidal, they are suicidal forever. slide#10

The Point is: Youth suicide is a major problem in Washington State Talking about suicide may help to save a life slide#11

Underlying Causes of Suicidal Behavior Mental Health Problem Abuse/ Bullying Alcohol/Drug Problem slide#12

Relationship Problems Possible Triggers of Suicidal Behavior Family Stressors Death Divorce Fights Finances Relationship Problems Conflicts Break-ups Pregnancy School Problems Failing Grades Suspension Pressures slide#13

The Point is: LOSS is a common theme There are usually many causes slide#14

Warning Signs Suicide-Risk Behaviors Depression Drug Use Past attempts Talking about suicide, making plans Preoccupation with death Depression Moody, down Feeling hopeless, withdrawing Drug Use Things that Risk Easy access to guns Impulsiveness No one to talk to slide#15

Resources School counselor Crisis telephone hotlines: Parents Clergy - 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) - 1-866-4-U-Trevor (LGBTQI+ hotline – 1-866-488-7386) Parents Clergy Coaches, teachers, youth leaders Physicians, pediatricians, other health care providers Psychiatrists, psychologists, other mental health counselors slide#16

What is NOT Helpful Ignoring or dismissing the issue - “Oh, let’s talk about something else.” - “You’ll meet someone else and forget them; you’re a great guy.” Acting shocked or embarrassed - “You aren't REALLY thinking of suicide, are you?” Challenging or debating - “So go ahead; see if things really DO get better.” - “Don’t you know that it is wrong to kill yourself?” Giving harmful advice - “Let’s go get drunk and forget about all our problems.” slide#17

What IS Helpful Show You Care—Listen carefully - “I’m concerned about you… about how you feel.” Ask the Question—Be direct but caring and non-confrontational - “Are you thinking about suicide?” Get Help—Do not leave them alone - “You're not alone. Let me help you.” slide#18

Resources School counselor Crisis telephone hotlines: Parents Clergy - 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) - 1-866-4-U-Trevor (LGBTQI+ hotline – 1-866-488-7386) Parents Clergy Coaches, teachers, youth leaders Physicians, pediatricians, other health care providers Psychiatrists, psychologists, other mental health counselors slide#19