Do Now: List myths or facts you may know about suicide.

Did you know?

Preventing Suicide Pg. 93

Facts About Suicide Suicide: is the act of intentionally taking one’s own life. The truth is that most people who attempt suicide don’t want to die. They feel helpless about how to end their emotional pain. Suicide is NEVER the solution. Ask someone for help is the first step in making yourself feel better. Suicide is an uncomfortable topic for many people.

Knowing the Following Truths can help prevent it. Many people who have considered suicide considered it only for a brief period in their life. Most people who have attempted suicide and failed are usually grateful to be alive. Suicide does not happen without warning. People who have attempted suicide often asked for help in an indirect way. All talk of suicide should be taken seriously. The use of drugs or alcohol can put people at risk of acting on suicidal thoughts because their judgment is impaired.

Warning Signs for Suicide Feeling hopeless Withdrawing from family and friends Neglecting basic needs Experiencing loss of energy Taking more risks Using alcohol and drugs Giving away personal things

Teens and Suicide The fifth leading cause of death for ages 25-64. The third leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15-24. You are the best person to protect yourself from it. Physical and Emotional changes could make teens feel more emotional, impulsive, and focused on today. As you get older, you will gain more experience, connect with people, and become more independent. Greater awareness of who you are, what you value, and what you need.

Teens often feel… Impulsive: What you can do: Stop and think about the consequences before you act. Focused on today: What you can do: Don’t use permanent solutions to solve temporary problems. Highly Emotional: What you can do: Hang in there, and talk to your parents, a friend, or a trusted adult when you need support.

Words that Warn “I wish I were dead.” “I just want to go to sleep and never wake up.” “I won’t be a problem for you much longer.” “I can’t take it anymore.” “This pain will be over soon.” “Nothing matters.”

CDC Adolescent Risk Behaviors Data on sadness and suicide ideation and attempts were collected by high school survey: Nationwide, 28.3 percent of students had felt so sad for two or more weeks in a row that they had ceased some of their regular activities. Nationwide, 19 percent had seriously considered attempting suicide. Nationwide, 14.8 percent of students had specific plans on how to attempt suicide. Nationwide, 8.8 percent of students had attempted to kill themselves at least one time least year.

Class Activity Please read the following story. As a class we will discuss and evaluate the following situation.

Situation: Jamal suspects that his friend Tim is severely depressed because Tim’s older sister died. Tim quit the tennis team and has withdrawn from his friends. One day, Tim mentioned that he wished it was he who died instead of his sister. What should Jamal do?

Giving and Getting Help

The following things you can do if a friend has talked about suicide: Take all talk of suicide seriously. Tell your friend that suicide is not the answer. Change negative thoughts into positive thoughts. Don’t keep a secret. Anyone who is suicidal needs professional help and cannot fix the problem by himself or herself. Get help for a friend who is suicidal. Most cities have a variety of health organizations that offer services to people in need. Some of these services are free. A parent or guardian can help you find the right organization. Tell someone and to get the help that you or a friend needs.

Written Quiz

Section 8 Review Go to page 96. Answer questions 1-9 in complete sentences. Exit Slip: List 4 signs of Warnings for Suicide. List 4 phrases of “Words that Warn”.