1. Question, Persuade, Refer
Suicide Prevention

2. Facts
Utah has the 17th highest youth suicide (ages 10-17) and the 11th highest young adult (ages 18-24) suicide rate in the U.S. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for Utah youth (ages 10-17) and young adults (ages 18-24). On average,
Two youth (ages 10-17) are treated for suicide attempts every day in Utah.
Three young adults (ages 18-24) are treated for suicide attempts every day in Utah.

3. There are age-specific circumstances and stressors surrounding risk for suicide deaths in Utah.
For example, youth who completed suicide were more likely to have school and other relationship problems, while young adults were more likely to have intimate partner problems.
Among adults , the data show many suffered from a diagnosed mental illness.
Adult men in particular face a myriad of other risk factors, including alcohol and substance abuse and job or financial problems.
Older adults were more likely to suffer from physical health problems that may have prompted the suicide.

4. Alienation
Feeling isolated and separated from everyone else
Suicide
the act of intentionally taking of one’s own life

5. Question 1: What do you think are some suicide warning signs?

6. Warning Signs Most people who attempt suicide give some warning
Some warning signs include:
Sudden or extreme changes in moods or personality
Prolonged depression
Consistent low energy level
Avoidance of activities with friends or family
Taking greater risks than usual
Substance abuse
Giving away prized possessions
Talking about death or making suicide threats

7. Suicide Spiral
Feeling helpless, hopeless, and hapless (without happiness) where multiple life events consume one's emotional resources and the last one is like the last straw that broke the camel's back.

8. Question 2: What do you think are some possible responses to a threatened suicide attempt?

9. Some responses to a threatened suicide might be:
Assume it is a joke and laugh it off
Ignore it
Get mad, lecture or criticize
Tell someone
Talk to a friend about the threats
*Suicide is a serious matter and suicide warnings and threats should not be ignored.
*Friends should take the threat seriously, show a caring attitude, remain calm and listen, and use the skills learned in this lesson to offer help.

10. QPR like CPR Both are lifesaving techniques if used properly
Both require practice to be used effectively
Both must be used after warning signs of need are detected

11. Q=Question
Question the person to determine what he or she is thinking about suicide.
Are you joking?
Are you serious about what you said?
Are you thinking about harming yourself?
What do you mean by what you just said?
Are you thinking about suicide?
Tips
Plan a time and place to talk to the person
Try to get the person alone or in a private place
Give yourself plenty of time
Don’t be afraid to ask. Asking might save a life

12. P=Persuade Persuade the person to get help Let me help you.
Let’s go get some help.
Come with me to talk to the counselor.
I want to help. Let’s make and appointment with ______.
I know where we can get help. Let’s call the Teen Hotline.
Tips
Give the person your full attention
Listen carefully and let him or her talk
Let the person know you care
Don’t judge or condemn the person
Accept the reality of his or her pain
Insist that suicide isn’t a good solution
Offer hope in any form.

13. R=Refer Refer the person to someone who can help
The best referrals are when you personally take the person to get help
The next best is when a person agrees to see a professional and you know he or she goes.
If the person doesn’t get help, make certain you notify someone who can follow through.
Contact a parent, church leader, teacher, coach, counselor, hotline, doctor or trusted adult in the community.
Tips
Don’t promise secrecy
Don’t worry about being disloyal
Get an adult or professional involved; don’t try to handle it yourself
Remember that you aren’t responsible for people’s actions
Show video: breaking the silence to about 3 minutes.

14. Group Practice
Mike’s Story
Lisa’s Story
Peter’s Story
Melissa’s Story