1. Suicide Awareness for Everyone
5/19/2019
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Suicide Awareness for Everyone
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2. 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
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3. 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
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4. Suicide Is NOT Selfish Usually Spontaneous A Character Flaw 5/19/2019
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5. 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
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6. When to be Concerned A plan is developed
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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
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7. 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
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8. 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
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9. 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.

10. 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.
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11. 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.”
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12. 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.
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13. 5/19/2019
Suicide Contacts
Mary Houle, Heather Hohnstein, Michele Kau: Crow High School
National Crisis Lines: Suicide
3. Lane County Mental Health:
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14. 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.
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