Suicide and Mental Health Awareness The Silent Epidemic Adapted from Westpark Springs Hospital and The Jason Foundation

Did you know? Suicide is the SECOND leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24. Ask students: Does this fact about suicide surprise you? What do you already know about suicide? raise awareness about suicide. recognize warning signs. understand how to seek help. The goals of this presentation are to:

More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from: Did you know? Cancer Pneumonia Stroke Birth Defects Heart Disease AIDS Influenza Chronic Lung Disease More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from: COMBINED

We will lose approximately 5,200 young people to suicide each year: This means we are losing approximately 100 young people each week to the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide In Texas, 1 our of every 6 students say they have seriously considered suicide in the past twelve months. One out of every 10 have actually attempted suicide one or more times in the past twelve months.

Why do you think suicide is called the “Silent Epidemic”? What do you think this means? (silent epidemic) Discuss

Important Finding: Four out of Five completed suicides gave “clear warning” signs before the attempt! This means in 80% of suicide attempts, we have an opportunity to recognize the warning signs and intervene!

Signs of Concern: Suicide Threats Previous Suicide Attempts Depression “I’d be better off dead.” Suicide Threats Take even “half-hearted” attempts seriously and never keep an attempt secret from parents and school officials (counselors) Previous Suicide Attempts One out of 10 teens in the USA are “clinically depressed”. (more than just sad.) Untreated depression is a risk factor for suicide. Depression Sudden change in grades, attendance, appearance, eating and sleeping habits, preoccupation with death, etc… Out of Character Behavior Giving away prized possessions, visiting friends to set things right and/or to say goodbye. Making Final Arrangements If most people who commit suicide give clear warning signs, why do you think no one stepped in to help?

Increase Awareness (Talk about it) What Can Be Done? Recognize warning signs that are: persistent over time Several all at once Out of character for the individual Get Help (seek assistance from an adult such as a teacher or counselor) Increase Awareness (Talk about it)

Basic Rule to Remember… It is important to understand that these represent a few general signs of concern and are not to be considered a comprehensive list that always indicates suicidal intentions. If you have any doubt of a friend’s or classmate’s intentions or concern about their behavior, always seek professional help! (Visit your school counselor! You could save a life!) What are some of the reasons that keep kids from reaching out to get help from an adult?

Start the conversation. Did you know that ¾ of all mental health problems, such as depression, begin between the ages of 14 and 24, yet we rarely talk about it? Unrecognized and untreated mental health problems increase the risk of suicide. Ignoring problems does not make them go away. It is important to get this issue out in the open. People who contemplated suicide and then don’t follow through often site it was because someone actually talked to them about their feelings and then found someone who could help.

Because a small act of kindness can save/change someone’s life! Watch the short video about Text, Talk, Act and then join the conversation. When The Mask Is Off