1. SOS Signs of Suicide

2. Suicide is less of a wish to die but more of an escape from pain.
Message in the Bottle
Suicide is less of a wish to die but more of an escape from pain.
Suicide is a form of communication: healthy communication has broken down.

4. Risk Factors
The first step in preventing suicide and self-injury is to identify and understand the risk factors
Risk factors are not necessarily causes

5. Risk Factors
Psychological, environmental, and social factors contribute
Strongest risk factors in youth are depression, substance abuse, and previous attempts (NAMI, 2003)
Leading risk factor is mental illness (Over 90% of children and adolescents who die by suicide have a least one major psychiatric disorder (Gould et al., 2003).
Those with a prior attempt are 38% more likely to complete. We have to say “have you attempted before?”

6. Suicide: A Multi - Factorial Event
Substance
Use / Abuse
Depression
Personality Disorder / Traits
Impulsiveness
Life Stressors
Suicide
Psychiatric Illness
Family History

7. Why do people want to end their lives
Situations that might contribute to a feeling of hopelessness include:
Break-ups
Family problems
Sexual, physical or mental abuse
Drug or alcohol addiction
Mental illness, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression
The death of a loved one
School or work problems
Feeling like you don't belong anywhere
Any problem that seems hopeless

8. Warning Signs Sending Out An SOS
A warning sign is a indication that an individual may be experiencing depression or thoughts of suicide.
Most individuals give warning signs or signals of their intentions.
Where a risk factor is a predisposition to a problem, a warning sign is an indication that a problem already exists.
Stay aware of changes in your students – in their affect, behavior, appearance, and attendance.

9. Warning Signs Sending Out An SOS
Some examples of warning signs are:
Changes in sleep or appetite
Increased irritability
Decreased interest in usual activities
Grim or dark writings or drawings
Giving away of possessions
Increase in alcohol or drug use
Isolation
Displaying extreme mood swings

10. SOS Signs of Suicide Student GoalsP E
Educate students that suicide is not a normal response to stress, but rather a preventable tragedy
Inform students of the risk associated with alcohol / drug use to cope with feelings
Provide students with specific action steps to take if they are concerned about themselves or others
Encourage peer-to-peer communication about the ACT help-seeking message

11. ACT Acknowledge Care Tell
Acknowledge that you are seeing the signs of depression or suicide in friend and that it is serious Let your friend know you care about them and that you are concerned that he or she needs to help you cannot provide Tell a trusted adult that you are worried bout your friend
Acknowledge
Care
Tell

12. Steps for Averting Suicide
Do’s
Don’ts
Do learn the warning signs
Don’t refuse to talk about it
Do get involved & be available
Don’t act shocked or outraged
Do allow expression of feelings
Don’t be sworn to secrecy
Do show interest & support
Don’t offer platitudes or glib answers
Do get help from agencies & professionals
Don’t “dare” a suicide person to commit suicide
Do remove access to drugs and weapons
Note: Not all children or teens show signs of fatigue or lack of energy when depressed. In some situations, a suicidal teen may actually have an increase of energy or happiness.

13. Free Suicide Prevention Smartphone Ap
- Warning Signs associated with suicidal behavior - What to do if someone you know appears to be contemplating suicide - Access to Spanish language resources - Access to crisis lines specifically supporting military and veterans communities - Access to crisis lines specifically supporting LBGTQ communities

14. Frisco ISD Suicide Prevention Teacher Protocol
Do not leave the student unattended
Do not allow the student to go to the restroom
Teacher or other faculty member will walk the student to a counselor or administrator
If the teacher is unable to walk the student to the office, call the counselor or the administrator
Call the counselor or administrator immediately if the student is not in your class when concern is identified

15. Hotline Numbers National Suicide Help Line: , Texas Runaway Help Line: Teen Help Line: TEEN, National Domestic Violence Help Line: SAFE (7233)