Suicide Awareness & Suicide Awareness & PreventionPrevention

Fairmont High SchoolFairmont High School

Presented by Presentation College Nursing Presented by Presentation College Nursing Students with additions by School Resource Students with additions by School Resource

Officer Jaime BleessOfficer Jaime Bleess

Importance of Suicide Importance of Suicide AwarenessAwareness

Prevent Suicide Prevent Suicide Save Lives Save Lives

Help Others in NeedHelp Others in Need People with DepressionPeople with Depression People Thinking about SuicidePeople Thinking about Suicide

Educate, Educate, Educate!Educate, Educate, Educate! Spread the Word Spread the Word

Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention ProgramYellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program

MINNESOTAMINNESOTA

Suicide is the 3Suicide is the 3rdrd leading cause of death leading cause of death for 10 – 14 year oldsfor 10 – 14 year olds

Suicide is the 2Suicide is the 2ndnd leading cause of death leading cause of death for 15 – 34 year oldsfor 15 – 34 year olds

Suicide attempt is the second leading Suicide attempt is the second leading cause of hospitalization in Minnesotacause of hospitalization in Minnesota

Cry for HelpCry for Help

Most people who attempt or die by Most people who attempt or die by suicide have symptoms of major suicide have symptoms of major

depression. depression.

While depression does not While depression does not causecause suicide it can lead to suicidal thinking suicide it can lead to suicidal thinking

and behaviors for some people.and behaviors for some people.

DepressionDepression Illness caused by a chemical imbalance in the brainIllness caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain

Can affectCan affect– ThoughtsThoughts– FeelingsFeelings– BehaviorsBehaviors– Physical well-beingPhysical well-being

Depression can affect people of all ages.Depression can affect people of all ages.

1 in 4 Americans will experience depression at 1 in 4 Americans will experience depression at some time in their life.some time in their life.

Risk of developing depression is higher if it runs in Risk of developing depression is higher if it runs in the family.the family.

Signs of DepressionSigns of Depression Depression is only diagnosed if 5 or more of Depression is only diagnosed if 5 or more of

the signs have been present for 2 weeks or the signs have been present for 2 weeks or longer:longer:

ThoughtsThoughts Trouble concentrating, remembering, or decision Trouble concentrating, remembering, or decision

makingmaking Thinking about suicide or planning suicideThinking about suicide or planning suicide

EmotionsEmotions Feeling sad, numb, or empty; crying easilyFeeling sad, numb, or empty; crying easily Feeling angry, irritable, moodyFeeling angry, irritable, moody Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, or guiltyFeeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, or guilty Feeling alone, even when with family or friendsFeeling alone, even when with family or friends

PhysicalPhysical Loss of energyLoss of energy Sleep more or less than usualSleep more or less than usual Eating more or less than usualEating more or less than usual Headaches, backaches, or stomachachesHeadaches, backaches, or stomachaches

BehaviorsBehaviors Avoiding friendsAvoiding friends Alcohol or drug useAlcohol or drug use Loss of interest in things that used to be Loss of interest in things that used to be

funfun Attempting suicideAttempting suicide

Risk Factors for SuicideRisk Factors for Suicide

A history in the family of depression, A history in the family of depression, alcohol or drug abuse, or suicidealcohol or drug abuse, or suicide

Someone who has been abused, Someone who has been abused, teased, or bulliedteased, or bullied

Impulsive or aggressive behaviorsImpulsive or aggressive behaviors

Long term illnessLong term illness

Risk Factors for SuicideRisk Factors for Suicide History of mental illness like bipolar History of mental illness like bipolar

disorder, schizophrenia, or depressiondisorder, schizophrenia, or depression

A recent break-up, problems at school, A recent break-up, problems at school, problems with the lawproblems with the law

Loss of a loved oneLoss of a loved one

Moving to a new community, starting a Moving to a new community, starting a new school, starting a new jobnew school, starting a new job

Access to lethal meansAccess to lethal means (weapons, (weapons, medication)medication)

WARNING SIGNSWARNING SIGNS

HIGH RISKHIGH RISK

MODERATE RISKMODERATE RISK

LOW RISKLOW RISK

Warning Signs of SuicideWarning Signs of Suicide(Low Risk)(Low Risk)

Significant weight loss or weight gainSignificant weight loss or weight gain

Insomnia or oversleeping Insomnia or oversleeping

RestlessnessRestlessness

Abrupt changes in personalityAbrupt changes in personality IrritabilityIrritability Picking fightsPicking fights

Neglecting school work and personal appearanceNeglecting school work and personal appearance

DepressionDepression Inability to concentrateInability to concentrate Chronic PainChronic Pain Panic or Anxiety Panic or Anxiety

Warning Signs of SuicideWarning Signs of Suicide(Moderate Risk)(Moderate Risk)

Use of drugs or alcoholUse of drugs or alcohol

Statements of hopelessness, lack of self-esteemStatements of hopelessness, lack of self-esteem

Talking, reading or writing about death/suicideTalking, reading or writing about death/suicide

Change in religious behavior Change in religious behavior Lost interest or a new found interest Lost interest or a new found interest

Unusual sadness and lonelinessUnusual sadness and loneliness

Running away from schoolRunning away from school

Withdrawal from people/activitiesWithdrawal from people/activities

Family disruptions Family disruptions Divorce, trauma, losing a loved oneDivorce, trauma, losing a loved one

Warning Signs Warning Signs (High Risk)(High Risk)

Cleaning out room/lockerCleaning out room/locker

Obsession with guns/knifesObsession with guns/knifes

Stockpiling pillsStockpiling pills

Risk taking behaviorRisk taking behavior being carelessbeing careless self-harm (cutting) self-harm (cutting)

Making a will or funeral plans Making a will or funeral plans

Previous suicide attemptPrevious suicide attempt

Giving away possessionsGiving 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.

Direct Suicidal ThreatsDirect 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 If things don’t go right, I am going to kill myself.”to kill myself.”

Indirect Suicide ThreatsIndirect Suicide Threats

““My friends and family would be My friends and family would be better off without me.”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.”

Ask For HelpAsk For HelpIf you’re concerned about yourself or If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, someone else, ASKASK FORFOR HELPHELP from a from a trusted adult who will get you help:trusted adult who will get you help:

The quickest way to get help in an emergency situation is to 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 dial 911. It is common for police to be the first to respond to

help a depressed or suicidal person. Police are trained to help a depressed or suicidal person. Police are trained to assist with compassion in these matters.assist with compassion in these matters.

Someone who will listenSomeone who will listenTake you seriously, and Take you seriously, and Take action to get helpTake action to get help

Ask for Help! CardAsk for Help! Card

Who Can You Ask For Help?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 membersParents or other adult family members

– School counselor, social worker, or nurseSchool counselor, social worker, or nurse

– Pastor, youth minister or church leaderPastor, youth minister or church leader

– Teacher or coachTeacher or coach

– Boss or trusted coworkersBoss or trusted coworkers

Who do you look to for support?Who do you look to for support?– Who do you trust?Who do you trust?– Importance of a strong support systemImportance of a strong support system

Local ContactsLocal Contacts SchoolSchool CounselorsCounselors - Mrs. Schwieger and Mr. - Mrs. Schwieger and Mr.

GeerdesGeerdes

SchoolSchool NursesNurses – Mrs. Kotewa and Mrs. – Mrs. Kotewa and Mrs. SwitrasSwitras

DoctorsDoctors or or NursesNurses - If medical help is needed - If medical help is needed immediately, go to the ER or call 911immediately, go to the ER or call 911

– Fairmont Medical Center (#235-8500)Fairmont Medical Center (#235-8500)

Any Any trustedtrusted adult or friend adult or friend

What To Do if Someone Asks What To Do if Someone Asks YOU for HELPYOU for HELP

STAY with the person: STAY with the person: Unless there is risk of harm to yourselfUnless 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 helpIt’s OK to ask how you can help– Ask them: “Will you go with me to get 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-TALKNational Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK– Hopeline Network: 1-800-SuicideHopeline Network: 1-800-Suicide– 911911

Internet sitesInternet sites

www.yellowribbon.www.yellowribbon.orgorg

www.save.orgwww.save.org

www.aap.orgwww.aap.org

www.nimh.nih.govwww.nimh.nih.gov

Our Take Home Message for Our Take Home Message for YOU !YOU !

Enjoy LifeEnjoy Life

Focus on Leading a Healthy LifeFocus on Leading a Healthy Life

Help Prevent Suicide & Save A LifeHelp Prevent Suicide & Save A Life– Help those in needHelp those in need

Or make the first connection for someone needing helpOr make the first connection for someone needing help

– Educate Others (Spread the word!)Educate Others (Spread the word!)

Enjoy Life!Enjoy Life! LaughLaugh

– Keep your sense of humor!Keep your sense of humor!

Form Trusting Relationships (Support System)Form Trusting Relationships (Support System)– FamilyFamily– FriendsFriends

Believe in Yourself & Be PositiveBelieve in Yourself & Be Positive– SMILE SMILE Smiles are contagious! Smiles are contagious!– Teach Others to be positiveTeach Others to be positive

Get Involved & Make a DifferenceGet Involved & Make a Difference– Create SuccessesCreate Successes– Volunteer: Your help is needed!Volunteer: Your help is needed!

Focus on Leading a Healthy Focus on Leading a Healthy LifeLife

Enjoy Hanging Out with Enjoy Hanging Out with Family & FriendsFamily & Friends

Know who to turn to when you Know who to turn to when you need helpneed help

Be ActiveBe Active ExerciseExercise Play SportsPlay Sports Enjoy the OutdoorsEnjoy the Outdoors

Practice Healthy Eating Practice Healthy Eating HabitsHabits

Avoid Drugs & AlcoholAvoid Drugs & Alcohol

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