1. Suicide Awareness & Prevention Fairmont High School Presented by Presentation College Nursing Students with additions by School Resource Officer Jaime Bleess

2. Importance of Suicide Awareness Prevent Suicide  Save Lives Prevent Suicide  Save Lives Help Others in Need Help Others in Need  People with Depression  People Thinking about Suicide Educate, Educate, Educate! Educate, Educate, Educate!  Spread the Word Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program

3. MINNESOTA Suicide is the 3 rd leading cause of death for 10 – 14 year olds Suicide is the 3 rd leading cause of death for 10 – 14 year olds Suicide is the 2 nd leading cause of death for 15 – 34 year olds Suicide is the 2 nd leading cause of death for 15 – 34 year olds Suicide attempt is the second leading cause of hospitalization in Minnesota Suicide attempt is the second leading cause of hospitalization in Minnesota  Cry for Help

4. Most people who attempt or die by suicide have symptoms of major depression. While depression does not cause suicide it can lead to suicidal thinking and behaviors for some people.

5. Depression Illness caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain Illness caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain Can affect Can affect –Thoughts –Feelings –Behaviors –Physical well-being Depression can affect people of all ages. Depression can affect people of all ages. 1 in 4 Americans will experience depression at some time in their life. 1 in 4 Americans will experience depression at some time in their life. Risk of developing depression is higher if it runs in the family. Risk of developing depression is higher if it runs in the family.

6. Signs of Depression Depression is only diagnosed if 5 or more of the signs have been present for 2 weeks or longer: Depression is only diagnosed if 5 or more of the signs have been present for 2 weeks or longer: Thoughts Thoughts  Trouble concentrating, remembering, or decision making  Thinking about suicide or planning suicide Emotions Emotions  Feeling sad, numb, or empty; crying easily  Feeling angry, irritable, moody  Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, or guilty  Feeling alone, even when with family or friends

7. Physical Physical  Loss of energy  Sleep more or less than usual  Eating more or less than usual  Headaches, backaches, or stomachaches Behaviors Behaviors  Avoiding friends  Alcohol or drug use  Loss of interest in things that used to be fun  Attempting suicide

8. Risk Factors for Suicide A history in the family of depression, alcohol or drug abuse, or suicide A history in the family of depression, alcohol or drug abuse, or suicide Someone who has been abused, teased, or bullied Someone who has been abused, teased, or bullied Impulsive or aggressive behaviors Impulsive or aggressive behaviors Long term illness Long term illness

9. Risk Factors for Suicide History of mental illness like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or depression History of mental illness like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or depression A recent break-up, problems at school, problems with the law A recent break-up, problems at school, problems with the law Loss of a loved one Loss of a loved one Moving to a new community, starting a new school, starting a new job Moving to a new community, starting a new school, starting a new job Access to lethal means (weapons, medication) Access to lethal means (weapons, medication)

10. WARNING SIGNS HIGH RISK MODERATE RISK LOW RISK

11. Warning Signs of Suicide (Low Risk) Significant weight loss or weight gain Significant weight loss or weight gain Insomnia or oversleeping Insomnia or oversleeping Restlessness Restlessness Abrupt changes in personality Abrupt changes in personality  Irritability  Picking fights Neglecting school work and personal appearance Neglecting school work and personal appearance Depression Depression  Inability to concentrate  Chronic Pain  Panic or Anxiety

12. Warning Signs of Suicide (Moderate Risk) Use of drugs or alcohol Use of drugs or alcohol Statements of hopelessness, lack of self-esteem Statements of hopelessness, lack of self-esteem Talking, reading or writing about death/suicide Talking, reading or writing about death/suicide Change in religious behavior Change in religious behavior  Lost interest or a new found interest Unusual sadness and loneliness Unusual sadness and loneliness Running away from school Running away from school Withdrawal from people/activities Withdrawal from people/activities Family disruptions Family disruptions  Divorce, trauma, losing a loved one

13. Warning Signs (High Risk) Cleaning out room/locker Cleaning out room/locker Obsession with guns/knifes Obsession with guns/knifes Stockpiling pills Stockpiling pills Risk taking behavior Risk taking behavior  being careless  self-harm (cutting) Making a will or funeral plans Making a will or funeral plans Previous suicide attempt Previous suicide attempt Giving away possessions Giving away possessions Suicidal threats (Direct vs. Indirect) Suicidal threats (Direct vs. Indirect) HELP IS NEEDED RIGHT NOW ! Call 911 or 507-238-4481 and ask for police assistance.

14. Direct Suicidal Threats “I just want to kill myself.” “I just want to kill myself.” “I’m thinking about suicide.” “I’m thinking about suicide.” “I just want to end the pain.” “I just want to end the pain.” “If things don’t go right, I am going to kill myself.” “If things don’t go right, I am going to kill myself.”

15. Indirect Suicide Threats “My friends and family would be better off without me.” “My friends and family would be better off without me.” “I wish I were never born.” “I wish I were never born.” “I won’t be around too much longer.” “I won’t be around too much longer.” “I just want out.” “I just want out.”

16. Ask For Help If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, ASK FOR HELP from a trusted adult who will get you help: The quickest way to get help in an emergency situation is to dial 911. It is common for police to be the first to respond to help a depressed or suicidal person. Police are trained to assist with compassion in these matters.  Someone who will listen  Take you seriously, and  Take action to get help

17. Ask for Help! Card

18. Who Can You Ask For Help? Ask a trusted adult who will get you help: Ask a trusted adult who will get you help: –Parents or other adult family members –School counselor, social worker, or nurse –Pastor, youth minister or church leader –Teacher or coach –Boss or trusted coworkers Who do you look to for support? Who do you look to for support? –Who do you trust? –Importance of a strong support system

19. Local Contacts School Counselors - Mrs. Schwieger and Mr. Geerdes School Counselors - Mrs. Schwieger and Mr. Geerdes School Nurses – Mrs. Kotewa and Mrs. Switras School Nurses – Mrs. Kotewa and Mrs. Switras Doctors or Nurses - If medical help is needed immediately, go to the ER or call 911 Doctors or Nurses - If medical help is needed immediately, go to the ER or call 911 –Fairmont Medical Center (#235-8500) Any trusted adult or friend Any trusted adult or friend

20. What To Do if Someone Asks YOU for HELP STAY with the person: STAY with the person:  Unless there is risk of harm to yourself LISTEN - you are that person’s lifeline: LISTEN - you are that person’s lifeline: –It’s OK to ask how you can help –Ask them: “Will you go with me to get help?” GET, or call for HELP immediately: GET, or call for HELP immediately: –National Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK –Hopeline Network: 1-800-Suicide –911

21. Internet sites www.yellowribbon.org www.yellowribbon.org www.save.org www.save.org www.aap.org www.aap.org www.nimh.nih.gov www.nimh.nih.gov

22. Our Take Home Message for YOU ! Enjoy Life Enjoy Life Focus on Leading a Healthy Life Focus on Leading a Healthy Life Help Prevent Suicide & Save A Life Help Prevent Suicide & Save A Life –Help those in need  Or make the first connection for someone needing help –Educate Others (Spread the word!)

23. Enjoy Life! Laugh Laugh –Keep your sense of humor! Form Trusting Relationships (Support System) Form Trusting Relationships (Support System) –Family –Friends Believe in Yourself & Be Positive Believe in Yourself & Be Positive –SMILE  Smiles are contagious! –Teach Others to be positive Get Involved & Make a Difference Get Involved & Make a Difference –Create Successes –Volunteer: Your help is needed!

24. Focus on Leading a Healthy Life Enjoy Hanging Out with Family & Friends Enjoy Hanging Out with Family & Friends  Know who to turn to when you need help Be Active Be Active  Exercise  Play Sports  Enjoy the Outdoors Practice Healthy Eating Habits Practice Healthy Eating Habits  Avoid Drugs & Alcohol

25. Presentation Adapted from “ASK Teen Suicide Prevention Program” A collaboration of Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program in MN & SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education®) Help Prevent Suicide  Save Lives