1. 8 th Grade MEH 3.1 & 3.2

2. Objective 3.1 Recognize signs and symptoms of hurting self or others.

3.  Suicide is the third leading cause of death for teens  Of students in grades 6 -8:  24% of students who felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more in a row that they stopped doing some usual activities during the past 12 months.  20.8 % seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year  13.1 % made a plan about how they would attempt suicide during the past 12 months  9.5 % reported attempting suicide  Same risk and protective factors for suicide and other problem behaviors such as drugs, violence, risky sexual behavior 2011 NC Youth Risk Behavior Survey

4. Depression Depression is more than the “blues” or the “blahs.” It is more than the normal everyday ups and downs. Clinical depression is a medical condition. It is when feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair persist and interfere with a person’s ability to function. Many adults and teenagers do not recognize the symptoms of depression in themselves or others.

5. Depression Depression affects people of all ages. It will affect more than 19 million people every year. Some people experience only one episode of depression in their entire life, but others may have several episodes of depression. Depression can begin suddenly for no apparent reason, while others can be associated with a life situation.

6. Insomnia Change in eating patterns, either overeating or not eating Daytime sleepiness Aggressive or destructive behavior Risk-taking behavior Difficulty concentrating Loss of interest in activities one used to enjoy Decline in school performance, skipping class, dropping out of activities Withdrawal from relationships with friends and family

7. Statements such as “I wish I were dead” or “No one cares” Planning a suicide attempt or a previous attempt Giving away prized possessions A sudden lift in spirits because he or she feels the problem will soon end

8. Self-injury is the act of deliberately destroying body tissue, at times to change a way of feeling. It is an intentional act, repetitive, and results in minor to moderate harm without the intent to cause death. Self-injury often occurs in secret – person hides the self-injury from others.

9. Cutting Burning Pin-Sticking Carving Scratching Branding Marking Head-banging Picking and pulling skin and hair Abrasions (scrapes of bruises Biting Hitting Breaking bones Tattooing Excessive body piercing

10. Why Do They Hurt Themselves?  To escape from emotional pain, such as anger or anxiety  To release tension  To physically express pain  To express feelings of emptiness, loneliness, helplessness  An attempt to feel/be more in control  To protect themselves from pain  Not understood by others To induce a pleasure state from the endorphins that are released

11. Frequent or unexplained scars, cuts, bruises, and burns (often on the arms, thighs, abdomen) Consistent, inappropriate use of clothing to cover scars General signs of depression Secretive behavior, spending unusual amounts of time in the bathroom or other isolated areas Social or emotional isolation and disconnectedness Substance abuse

12. Possession of sharp instruments, (razor blades, thumb tacks, pins) Indications of extreme anger, sadness, or pain Images of physical harm in class or creative work Extreme risk-taking behaviors that could result in injuries

13. Let him or her know that you care and want to help. Acknowledge that your friend has a problem and that the symptoms are serious. Ask about suicide. Convince your friend to ask for help. This may include your talking to a trusted adult. Giving Help

14. Objective 3.2 Implement a plan for seeking adult help for peers who express symptoms of self-injury or suicidal intent.

15. Warning Signs Decline in school performance Skipping class Dropping out of activities Aggressive or destructive behavior Insomnia Daytime sleepiness Difficulty concentrating

16. Warning Signs Lack of energy Changes in eating patterns, either over- eating or not eating Withdrawal from relationships with friends and family Isolation Feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt

17. Warning Signs Risk taking behavior Changes in personality or behavior Beginning to use alcohol or other drugs Giving away prized possessions Statements, such as “I wish I were dead” or “No one cares”

18. Warning Signs Loss of interest in everyday activities, even things they enjoy doing Apathy Death themes in artwork or written work Planning a suicide attempt or a previous attempt A sudden lift of spirits because they feel their problems will soon end

19. Ways to Help Take any signs or verbal statements seriously. Listen to the person and show him or her that you care. Don’t leave the person alone.

20. Ways to Help Build a network of support: – Friends – Family members – Counselors – Teachers – Faith leader – Health care provider

21. Ways to Help Call a suicide hotline number. Check your local telephone book for a local hotline number. Get professional help. Seek out local agencies that could provide professional counseling services. Seek a trusted adult