SUICIDE PREVENTION AND AWARENESS

Myths and Facts zPeople who talk about suicide won’t really do anything. zOnly the mentally ill attempt to die by suicide zGirls attempt suicide more often than boys. FALSE TRUE

Myths and Facts zTalking openly about suicide increases the chances that they will attempt suicide. zIf a person has made up his/her mind, there is nothing that will prevent the suicide. FALSE

National Statistics zIt is the 4th ranking cause of death for adolescents. zOne young person commits suicide every hour, 57.9 minutes. zEach suicide intimately affects at least 6 other people.

Did You Know…….? z There are WCPSS students who have died by suicide each year. z Of these, some have been middle school students.

Who Can Help? z Anyone who recognizes the warning signs can do something.

WARNING SIGNS OF DEPRESSION zEating changes (overeating, under eating) zSleep changes, tired all the time zChange in school work, difficulty concentrating zFeeling hopeless, worthless, helpless zChanges in personality: sad, irritable, withdrawn, anxious zNot as interested in normal activities

WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE zVerbal or Written Threats ‘I hate my life. I wish I was never born. I’d be better off dead.’ ‘I wish I could go to sleep and never wake up.’ ‘I can’t take life anymore. There’s no point in going on.’ zThemes of death or suicide in artwork or essays zGiving away special possessions zTalking about suicide, previous suicide attempts zWithdrawing from family and friends, hopelessness zAlcohol/drug use or taking unnecessary risks

WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE zDifficulty eating and sleeping zPhysical symptoms or pains zDrop in School Performance zLoss of interest in hobbies, school, appearance zSelf destructive behavior zRecent loss, death of a loved one, end of a romantic relationship.

What can you do? zTake the threat seriously. zListen and show that you care. ‘I’m worried about you and how you feel’. ‘I care about you and how you’re holding up’. zTalk openly and ask questions. “Do you have a plan to hurt yourself?” And most importantly…. zAsk for help…tell a counselor, parent, teacher, another adult.

Do Not… zBe sworn to secrecy. You must get support from others to help your friend. This is life and death. An angry friend is better than a dead friend. zLeave him/her alone. zDo not think this is a joke. zDo not try to be a therapist. Get professional help.

What happens when you tell us about a student? We will talk with the student, family, and make additional referrals for counseling if needed.

Questions?