Helping Others Who Are Hurting Suicide Prevention

Important to Understand…  A completed suicide is a permanent decision…once it has happened, it’s final.  A temporary situation is not the only cause of having suicidal ideations. Some of us struggle with long term situations or emotions that effect our daily lives.

Warning Signs  Suicide Threats  Feeling sad or withdrawn for more than 2 weeks  Previous Suicide Attempts  Sudden Changes in Behavior  Depression  Final Arrangements  Severe mood swings  Intense worries or fears

Suicide Threats  “I would be better off dead!”  “You won’t have me around much longer to bother you!”  “I wish I was dead.”  “I am going to kill myself”…(this is straight forward, but it happens)

Listen Through Social Media Too  Warning signs may come from social media messages…facebook, twitter, instragram and other social media sites  If you see signs on social media, please tell a responsible adult.

Friends Helping Friends  If you see any of the signs mentioned in a friend or 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

How many warning signs do you have to see to do something about it? 1 Warning Signs

What should you do… ACT Acknowledge CareTell Acknowledge that your friend has a problem and the symptoms are serious Let them know that you care about them and want to help them Tell a trusted adult about your concerns

 Favorite Teacher  Parent  Friends’ Parent  School Counselor  Medical Doctor  Other Trusted Adult  Local Mental Health Center  Crisis Hotline TALK (8255) Possible Places For Help…

Don’t Hesitate…  If you have questions or want to talk to someone, please don’t hesitate. You are always welcome to come to the counseling center to visit with your counselor.