Suicide Awareness for Everyone 5/19/2019 SAFE: TEEN Suicide Awareness for Everyone SAFE:TEEN 01

5/19/2019 Youth Suicide Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in Oregon for youth ages 10 to 24 For every youth suicide, there are as many as 100 attempts Nationally, the youth suicide rate has doubled over the past 30 years SAFE:TEEN 02

Suicide Is… An act of desperate hopelessness and overwhelming pain 5/19/2019 Suicide Is… An act of desperate hopelessness and overwhelming pain A cry for help Often the result of untreated depression OFTEN PREVENTABLE SAFE:TEEN 03

Suicide Is NOT Selfish Usually Spontaneous A Character Flaw 5/19/2019 SAFE:TEEN 04

Signs of Depression Withdrawal Sad, angry or irritable for 2+ weeks 5/19/2019 Signs of Depression Withdrawal Sad, angry or irritable for 2+ weeks Loss of interest in usual activities Mood swings - may indicate bipolar depression Difficulty concentrating Substance abuse Sleep/appetite changes Cry easily SAFE:TEEN 05

When to be Concerned A plan is developed 5/19/2019 Behavioral Cues Prior suicidal behavior May not have any internal or external resources Gives away possessions Substance abuse Reckless behavior Has a suicide plan Suddenly much happier after a period of depression Refusing help: Feeling “beyond help” Significant mood changes Preoccupation with death Loss of interest in things one cares about Verbal Clues - Terminal Statements All of my problems will end soon I just can't take it anymore. I wish I were dead. Suggests that everyone would be better off w/o him/her Asks if something may cause a person to die Says goodbye Physical Symptoms Often tired Change in eating/sleeping habits Frequent complaints about physical symptoms which often related to emotions: stomachache, headache, fatigue. When to be Concerned A plan is developed Talk, write and/or read about suicide or death Make Terminal Statements Previous Attempts SAFE:TEEN 06

When To Be Concerned (cont.) 5/19/2019 When To Be Concerned (cont.) Refuse help, feel “beyond help” Give away possessions Have tunnel vision - focused on pain Suddenly cheerful after period of depression SAFE:TEEN 07

Barriers to Seeking Help 5/19/2019 Barriers to Seeking Help Don’t want to go to an adult Don’t want to “rock the boat” Don’t want to disappoint parents Don’t want to admit help is needed Don’t know what to expect Don’t understand what is happening SAFE:TEEN 08

S. A. F. E. R. Signs -  Look for actions, thoughts, feeling or physical evidence of suicidal intent.  This may include statements of hopelessness or worthlessness, extreme sadness or numbness.             Ask-   "Are you having thoughts of suicide?"  Asking the question will not giver someone the idea.    Find out – Determine the need for immediate assistance.  Have they made a plan?  If so, more immediate action is warranted.  Enlist –    Walk them to or call a parent, teacher or other trusted adult. Report –  Document your experience and your response while it is still fresh in your mind so that you can provide counselors and parents with the most accurate, detailed information.

Know What to Say Ask, “Are you thinking of killing yourself” 5/19/2019 Know What to Say Ask, “Are you thinking of killing yourself” I’m sorry you are in so much pain I’m here to help You are not alone in this. Let’s go to the counselor together. SAFE:TEEN 09

Know What NOT to Say “Don’t say that!” 5/19/2019 Know What NOT to Say “Don’t say that!” “You want to kill yourself over THAT?” “You’re joking/kidding, right?” “You’ll get over it.” “I promise I won’t tell anyone.” SAFE:TEEN 10

5 Steps to Helping a Friend 5/19/2019 5 Steps to Helping a Friend Stay calm Ask the question, “Are you thinking of killing yourself? If yes, do not leave this person alone. Offer some calming things to say Offer to go to the counselor or, if this happens after school, to another trusted adult. SAFE:TEEN 11

5/19/2019 Suicide Contacts Mary Houle, Heather Hohnstein, Michele Kau: Crow High School National Crisis Lines: 1-800-Suicide 3. Lane County Mental Health: 541-682-4085 SAFE:TEEN 12

What if your friend says “No!” 5/19/2019 What if your friend says “No!” I can keep this confidential, but not a secret I care about you, but I can’t handle this alone If still “no”, then say “I will go with you. Let’s go.” If still “no”, get help on your own. SAFE:TEEN 13