1. 1 Lifelines Suicide Prevention - education materials

2. 2  Talking about suicide does not cause suicide to occur. Talking breaks the secrecy and let’s people know help is available  Suicidal behavior is one of the most complicated of human behaviors. Depression, anxiety, conduct disorders, and substance abuse all contribute to the possibility of suicide.The reasons behind a suicide often remain a mystery.  Suicidal behavior occurs in all socioeconomic groups. People of all ages, races, faiths, and cultures die by suicide, as do individuals from all walks of life and all income levels. 2 NOTES ABOUT PREVENTION

3. 3  Research has demonstrated in over 80 percent of deaths by suicide, a warning sign or signs were given.People who talk about or attempt suicide need immediate attention. Suicidal individuals are trying to get attention the same way people shout if they are drowning or are injured.  A suicidal crisis is usually very brief, lasting from a few hours to a few days.While suicide is not always prevented, suicide prevention is ALWAYS worth trying.  Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among youth between the ages of fifteen and twenty-four. Suicidal behavior among young people is a much larger public health concern than what is represented in death statistics. 3

4. 44 If we appropriately and adequately address children and youth at risk,suicide attempts and completions among adults may be decreased

5. 5  “Suicide contagion” describe a process by which exposure to suicide or suicidal behavior of one or more persons influences others who are already troubled and thinking about it to attempt/or die by suicide.While one person’s death is not the cause of another’s, there may be shared vulnerabilities.  A suicide pact describes the suicides of two or more individuals (close friends, lovers, etc.) which results in an agreed-on plan to complete a self-destructive act.  Research studies vary greatly in their estimates of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (GLBTQ) youth who die by suicide. The risk factors of discrimination, victimization, bullying... whether gay or straight, no matter what race or ethnicity, are important to consider in suicide prevention. 5

6. 6  It is up to all of us to become educated about suicide, get involved in community prevention efforts, and learn how to access help for someone who is feeling suicidal.  It has been estimated 30 percent of single- occupant fatal car crashes are suicides.  Self-harm is defined as a deliberate and usually repetitive destruction or alteration of one’s own body tissue, without suicidal intent. It is possible for self-harm to result in accidental death and it is also possible for suicidal and self-harming behaviors to co-exist in one person. 6

7. 7 1. To increase the probability persons who come into contact with potentially suicidal adolescents:  can more readily identify them  know how to respond to them  know how to rapidly obtain help for them  will be consistently inclined to take such action 2. To ensure troubled youth are aware of and have access to helping resources so they are inclined to seek help as an alternative to suicide Lifelines Objectives

8. 8 School systems are not responsible for meeting every need of their students, but when the need directly affects learning, the school must meet the challenge.” Carnegie Task Force on Education 8

9. 9 Your Role as Educators

10. 10 A Competent School Community Includes: School Leaders Faculty and Staff ParentsStudents

11. 11 Every threat should be taken seriously Remember:

12. 12 Identifying Risk Factors, Warning Signs, and Protective Factors

13. 13  Demographics  Psychiatric history  Drug/alcohol abuse  Previous suicide attempt  Family history of suicide Risk Factors

14. 14  Exposure to another’s suicide  Experience of stressful life events  Personality factors  Access to means Risk Factors

15. 15  Suicide ideation  Substance use  Purposelessness  Anxiety  Feeling trapped Warning Signs

16. 16  Hopelessness  Withdrawal  Anger  Recklessness  Mood changes Warning Signs

17. 17  Listen  Know your limits  Know your resources  Follow up Talking with Students

18. 18  Caring relationship with a trusted adult  Sense of connection or participation in school  Positive self-esteem and good coping skills Protective Factors

19. 19  Access to care for emotional/physical problems, substance abuse  Cultural/religious beliefs that discourage suicide and promote self- preservation Protective Factors

20. 20 www.sptsnj.org Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide F ocuses on resources for the competent school community www.sprc.org Suicide Prevention Resource Center National resource www.afsp.org American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Printed materials & resources www.suicidology.org American Association of Suicidology Data, resources, links www.maine.gov/suicide Maine Youth Suicide Prevention Program Extensive resources and information on youth suicide www.maine.gov/suicide/youth Maine Teen Suicide Prevention Resources and information for teens Additional Resources