The Jason Foundation, Inc. “A Promise for Tomorrow” A Youth Curriculum Unit for the awareness and prevention of Youth Suicide www.jasonfoundation.com This PowerPoint is to accompany the teacher manual. Implementation strategies and suggestions begin on Page 4 of the teacher manual.

“A Promise for Tomorrow” Lesson A Lesson A will provide background information about The Jason Foundation, Inc., why and how the Foundation was started and introduce the problem of youth suicide in the United States. Refer to the teacher manual, Pages 8 and 9 for this background information and Jason’s story.

“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. Detailed information for this slide is on Page 8 of the Teacher Manual.

“A Promise for Tomorrow” Jason’s Story Jason’s Story is on Page 9 of the Teacher Manual.

Let’s see what you already know about the problem of Youth Suicide. “A Promise for Tomorrow” Let’s see what you already know about the problem of Youth Suicide. Give out activity worksheet #1 and have the students circle their answers at this time. Give them a few minutes to complete this assignment.

Questions True or False Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 10, for answers and discussion points.

Question 1 Suicide is the THIRD leading cause of death among young people between the ages of 10 and 24. Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 10, for answers and discussion points.

Answer TRUE The first leading cause of death for young people, ages 10-24, is accidents (accidents of all kinds - car accident, fall, accidental overdose, etc.). Homicides are second.

How many young people do we lose, each year, to suicide? In the United States How many young people do we lose, each year, to suicide? Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 10, for answers and discussion points.

We will lose approximately 5,000 young people to suicide each year. It is estimated that We will lose approximately 5,000 young people to suicide each year. Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 10, for answers and discussion points.

Each week, We lose approximately 100 young people to the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide. Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 10, for answers and discussion points.

People who talk about or threaten suicide rarely die by suicide. Question 2 People who talk about or threaten suicide rarely die by suicide. Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 11, for answers and discussion points.

Answer FALSE Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 11, for answers and discussion points.

Approximately one young person dies by suicide every 2 hours. Question 3 Approximately one young person dies by suicide every 2 hours. Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 11, for answers and discussion points.

Answer TRUE Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 11, for answers and discussion points.

Question 4 Talking to someone about suicidal feelings may cause them to attempt suicide. Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 11, for answers and discussion points.

Answer FALSE Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 11, for answers and discussion points.

Suicide is Preventable. Question 5 Suicide is Preventable. Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 12, for answers and discussion points.

Answer TRUE Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 12, for answers and discussion points.

Question 6 People who are contemplating suicide almost always tell someone beforehand. Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 12, for answers and discussion points.

Answer TRUE 70% Share What are some things that people might say? Who do you talk to if you hear someone say something? Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 12, for answers and discussion points.

Why didn’t that person say anything about what they had been told? 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? Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 12, for answers and discussion points.

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 1980. 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. Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 12, for answers and discussion points.

Lesson B “Choices” Mark Jan Coach Parks Cathy Tomarcus Parents “A Promise for Tomorrow” Lesson B “Choices” Mark Jan Coach Parks Cathy Tomarcus Parents Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 13, for introduction and information on presenting the “Choices” DVD.

“A Promise for Tomorrow” Lesson C See Teacher Manual, Page 14, for introduction and information for Lesson C.

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”? Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 14, for discussion points.

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 Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 14, for discussion points.

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.) Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 14, for discussion points.

Previous Suicide Attempts One out of three completed suicides is not the first attempt. Physical mutilation (cutting) and/or other self-harm behaviors are 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. Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 15, for discussion points.

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. Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 15, for discussion points.

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 Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 15, for discussion points. Sometimes we only think that a depressed person is quiet and withdrawn. Depression, especially in a young person, can exhibit itself by aggressive behavior and outbursts of rage or emotion. There are several behaviors that, if they are out of character for that individual, need to be addressed if nothing more than asking a few questions.

Final Arrangements Giving away “prized possessions” “Making rounds” 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. Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 15, for discussion points.

“A Promise for Tomorrow” Lesson D “Choices” See Teacher Manual, Page 16, for introduction for Lesson D. Say to the students: As we watch the video again, pay attention to the behavior of Mark and Jan to see if you can identify “signs of concern”. List on a piece of paper all the signs you see. Think about what you know about suicidal ideation. What would you have done before? What would you do now?

“A Promise for Tomorrow” Lesson E See Teacher Manual, Pages 17 – 18, for introduction and discussion points for Lesson E.

Talk, Listen and Respond with: How to Help Talk, Listen and Respond with: L. I. F. E. Listen Insist on honesty Feelings - share them Extend a helping hand Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 17, for discussion points.

L.I.F.E. L – represents the very first thing you must do. LISTEN 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 – stands 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. Refer to Teacher Manual, Pages 17 - 18, for discussion points.

Resources for Help Favorite Teacher or Coach Parent Minister/Clergy Guidance Counselor Medical Doctor Other Trusted Adult Local Crisis Line Local Mental Health Center Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 19, for discussion points.

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. Refer to Teacher Manual, Page 19, for discussion points. See Page 20 of the Teacher Manual for assignments and optional extension activities.

Rascal Flatts B1 Project “A Promise for Tomorrow” Rascal Flatts B1 Project See Teacher Manual, Page 21, for detailed information on the Rascal Flatts B1 Project.

B1 Project www.rascalflattsb1.com Rascal Flatts and The Jason Foundation are working together to prevent youth suicide. Rascal Flatts became JFI Ambassadors in June 2010. Theme is “Someone you know may need a friend, B1. B1 encourages young people to “B Aware, B Able, and B Prepared” for their friends who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. See Teacher Manual, Page 21, for detailed information on the Rascal Flatts B1 Project. www.rascalflattsb1.com

The Jason Foundation, Inc. “A Promise for Tomorrow” A Youth Curriculum Unit for the awareness and prevention of Youth Suicide www.jasonfoundation.com