1. Suicide Awareness Campaign Megan Shuck, Marissa Thomas, Kaylyn Kirkpatrick

2. Statistics 90% of people who die by suicide were suffering from a treatable mental disorder at the time of their death—a disorder that often has gone unrecognized and untreated. White males accounted for 70% of all suicides in 2013. We lose app roxim ately 100 young people each week to this tragedy that can be prevented. For middle and high school age youth (ages 12-18), suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death.

3. Why suicide awareness applies to you. Each day in our nation, there are an average of over 5,400 attempts by young people grades 7-12. In ages 10-14, we have seen an alarming 128% increase in suicides since 1980, making it the third leading cause of death for that age group. Four out of Five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warning signs.

5. Walks and Campaigns. Suicide, depression and other issues are something that affect everyone from all kinds of different backgrounds. Miley Cyrus is one of many celebrities that have used their strong voices to promote suicide awareness. People have organized a numerous amount of Suicide Awareness walks including one that my partners and I visited, Out of the Darkness walk in Waco, Texas. These are organized all throughout the nation and help with the prevention of suicide.

6. Who to talk to: You are not alone Talk to your parents, grandparents, church leaders, counselors, teachers, aunts and uncles Your teachers are trained every year on how to help you!

7. Warning Signs Talk If a person talks about:  Harming themselves.  Having no reason to live.  Being a weight to others.  Feeling trapped.  Being in a lot of pain. Behavior A person’s suicide risk is higher if a behavior is new or has grown, especially if it’s related to a painful event, loss, or change. Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching the internet for ideas.  Acting carelessly.  Quitting activities.  Closing themselves off from family and friends.  Sleeping too much or too little.  Giving away prized possessions.  Disrespecting authority.

8. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1(800)273-8255

9. A.C.T. Acknowledge Acknowledge: Take warning signs seriously. Care Care: Be willing to listen. Let the person know you understand, let them know that they are not alone.Treatment Encourage them to get help immediately.

10. The “Choking Game” The “choking game” or “pass out game” is when a person keeps themselves from getting enough oxygen. By doing this, it could cause brain damage and possibly death. If you or anybody you know is doing this tell a teacher or adult right away

11. JEOPARDY jeopardylabs.com/play/suicide-prevention-jeopardy2 Suicide prevention starts with everyday heroes like you!