1. Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program Sedgwick County Suicide Prevention Coalition

2. Goals of the YR Training
You will learn how to be a LINK for suicide prevention
You will learn about Depression and that it is treatable
You will know warning signs/clues that someone might be thinking about hurting themselves

3. National Suicide Statistics
Nationally, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death = for ages 10-24
16-year-olds die by suicide 3X as often as 18-year-olds
2nd leading cause of death for college students
Approx 39,500 Americans die by suicide every year (2011 data)

4. Kansas Suicide Statistics
In Kansas – 2nd leading cause of death
for those ages and those 25-44
In 2011 – 60 suicides in SG County
In 2012 – 88 suicides in SG County
In 2013 – 70 suicides in SG County

5. Understanding Suicide
Suicide is not about death.
It is about ending pain!

6. PERMANENT The Tragic Fact… Suicide is a ‘action’ to address a problem!
TEMPORARY
problem!
Don’t let
suicide
rob you of better times that will come when you allow more time
to pass!

7. 60% of all people who die by suicide kill themselves with a firearm.
Guns and Suicide
60% of all people who die by suicide kill themselves with a firearm.

8. Depression The ‘Common Cold’ of Mental Health
Almost 10% of the United States population suffer from clinical depression, but only 30% get proper treatment….
Depression is much easier to treat than
ever before!

9. Why do only 30% get help? They think nothing will help.
They are embarrassed to tell anyone that they have problems.
They are afraid to be seen as weak or “crazy.”
They don’t know where to go for help.

10. This is Important!
Depression is a serious medical illness that makes a person’s brain not work right.
Two Chemicals in the brain that are not working right are Serotonin and Dopamine.

11. What are Serotonin & Dopamine?
Brain chemical that calms anxiety
(like a warm blanket)
Brain chemical that helps us “anticipate or feel a reward”

12. Serotonin: Oil for the Brain?
When the brain runs low on serotonin the mental ‘engine’ starts to have problems!
Irritability/Racing Thoughts
Concentration and Attention
Symptoms of Depression
Sleep Disturbance
Appetite Disturbance

13. ‘Self Medicating’ with Alcohol or Drugs
When a person feels depressed and unhappy it is not uncommon for them to use drugs and alcohol as a way to escape the issues and the pain.
This behavior is called ‘Self Medicating’ and is extremely dangerous because it makes the person’s brain get ‘sicker’!

14. Black Dog Video

15. You will not cause someone to attempt suicide just by
Listen up!
You will not cause someone to attempt suicide just by
talking about it!
You can help someone who is thinking about suicide by asking them about it and getting help.

16. Getting help for a friend who is thinking about killing him/herself
is not SNITCHING. It is TELLING.
When someone is ‘snitching,’ the motive is to get someone else in trouble.
When someone is ‘telling,’ the motive is to get someone help. You are seeking the help of others for a possible life-threatening situation.

17. Issues That Can Cause Stress
Breaking Up
Big Life Changes
Family Problems
Money Problems
Peer Pressure
Being a Bully or Target
Drugs and Alcohol Abuse
Bad Grades/Discipline Problems
Major Holidays
Trying To Fit in

18. This is Important!
People who are thinking about killing themselves often say or do something to alert others before they do it. If you know the signs and clues, you may be able to help prevent a suicide.

19. Signs to look for! ‘Sad Depression’
Sadness, anxiety or a feeling of hopelessness
Seeing no reason to live, no sense of purpose
Loss of interest in food or compulsive over-eating leading to rapid weight loss or gain
Withdrawing from friends, family, and the world
Feeling trapped; no way out; no future…
Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
Increasing use of alcohol/drugs
Dramatic mood swings

20. Signs to look for! ‘Angry Depression’ Feeling trapped, no way out
Increasing use of alcohol/drugs
Reckless, risky behavior without thinking
Rage, uncontrolled anger, wanting revenge
Withdrawing from friends, family, and the world
Doing dangerous things that can cause death
Seeing no reason to live, no sense or purpose
Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or
sleeping all the time

21. Behavioral Clues Lack of interest in daily activities
Problems with school and/or the law
Prolonged depression followed by a
sense of elation
Giving away prized possessions
(a “living will”)
Inability to tolerate frustration
Unwillingness to communicate
Perfectionism

22. Verbal Clues “I wish I were dead.” “I’m just a burden to everyone.”
“My family would be better off without me.”
“Nobody needs me.”
“If (something) happens, I’ll kill myself.”
“I’ll show them!”
“I hate my life.”
“I just can’t go on any longer.”
“Life is not worth it.”
“I’m going to miss (something).”

23. Treating Depression
There are many ways to treat depression. A physician and/or a mental healthcare professional will determine the best course of treatment.
Involve them immediately!

24. Coping Strategies Spend time with family and friends
Talk to other people!
Religion or spiritual belief system
Get involved in school, hobbies, sports, activities, groups
Volunteer: You are needed!

25. Protective Factors Good coping and problem-solving skills
Positive self-worth
Impulse control
Seek adult help when it’s needed
Lack of access to suicidal means
Access to mental health care
Laughter – Keep a perspective & a sense of humor
Give yourself permission to DREAM
School environments that promote health and encourage students to seek help

26. Enhancing Good Brain Chemicals
Exercise! ‘The Runner’s High’
Good nutrition
Adequate rest
Maybe even a little Chocolate!

27. Yellow Ribbon Video

28. If you have received this Card, it is a Cry for Help:
Yellow Ribbon Card
BE-A-LINK!-SAVE A LIFE!
If you have received this Card, it is a Cry for Help:

29. Assisting Someone in a Suicidal Crisis
Do:
Learn the warning signs
Listen!
Take action
Be non-judgmental
Be reassuring & positive
Offer empathy, “I care
and I will help.”
Offer hope that alternatives
are available
GET HELP from professionals through the hotline numbers or other health care professionals
Don’t:
Leave the person
Be sworn to secrecy
Be glib or dismissing
of the problem
Counsel (Your role
is to Be-A-Link)

30. Please Remember You will not cause someone to kill
Threats about suicide must be taken seriously!
You will not cause someone to kill
him/herself by asking about suicide!
If you suspect that the person is suicidal,
ask about it DIRECTLY!
Dealing with a suicide crisis can be extremely upsetting! Talk to someone afterwards to help reduce your own stress.

31. Who do teens turn to?
91% of teens say they’ll talk to a friend first. The power of Yellow Ribbon lies with our youth!

32. Do not keep suicidal thoughts to yourself!
Help is available.
Find someone you trust, a friend, teacher, coach, neighbor, therapist, or clergy member,
and let them know how bad things are.
This can be your first step on
the road to healing.

33. Depression
Is Treatable!
AND
Suicide
Can Be
Prevented!

34. Be a Link!

35. Local Data 2013/14 School Year Wichita Heights High School
-Presented to all students 9-12 (1265 in attendance)
-Four days of presentations during English (26 sessions)
-219 Response Forms were returned indicating the student
was hurting or someone they knew was hurting
-154 personal, one-on-one conversations were held with students (duplicates, anonymous, Darth Vader…)
-Countless follow-up visits with students throughout year
-7 calls were made to other schools for referral
“I wish I had known this a long time ago.” - student
“I wish my sister had heard this as a teenager.” - staff

36. Local Data 2013/14 School Year Northeast Magnet High School
-Presented to all students 9-12 (685 in attendance)
-82 Response Forms were returned indicating the student was hurting or someone they knew was hurting
-18 parents were called, and 12 of those contacted outside agencies for counseling
-2 students were transported to immediately for crisis care
“I didn’t think anyone cared.” - student

37. Questions/Comments? Kim Baldwin kbaldwin1@usd259.net Karen Wallace