Youth Suicide:Prevention Works!

• Irritability

• Anxiety

• Physical complaints

• Over-reaction to criticism

• Poor school performance

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

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• School or work effects - missing class

• Physical Effects - losing weight

• Emotional or personal effects - friends annoyed that I am always “down”

Possible Impacts of Depression

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• Someone to listen

• Learn skills for coping

• Support

Benefits of Getting Help

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• Thoughts

• Attempts

• Death

Suicidal Behaviors

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• True or False? Two Washington State youth complete suicide each week

• True or False? One out of ten youth attempts suicide

• True or False? One out of five youth seriously considers suicide

• True or False? Talking about suicide will “cause” someone to do it

• True or False? A person who talks about suicide is not really serious about dying

• True or False? Over 30% of GLB (gay, lesbian, bisexual) youth attempt suicide

Facts & Myths About Suicide

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• Youth suicide is a major problem in Washington State

• Talking about suicide may help to save a life

The Point Is…

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Additional Risk Factors forGLBTQ Youth:

• Gender nonconformity• Coming out:

– Early – Not coming out to anyone

• Homophobia• Internalized homophobia/Internal conflict• Heterosexism• Lack of access to gay/trans friendly

services

Individual• ­­Depression, hopelessness

anxiety• ­­drugs and/or alcohol use

Home• Family conflicts/fights• Death/divorce• Abuse• Rejection

School• Failing grades• Suspension• School pressures• Rejection

Relationships• Break up with

girlfriend/ boyfriend

• Pregnancy • Bullying

Underlying Causes of Suicidal Behavior

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• LOSS is a common theme.

• There are usually many causes.

The Point is….

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• Suicide-Risk Behaviors - Past attempts - Talking about suicide, making plans - Preoccupation with death

• Depression - Moody, down - Feeling hopeless, withdrawing

• ­­Drug Use

• Things that ­ Risk - Easy access to guns - Impulsiveness - No one to talk to - Victimization experiences

Warning Signs

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Ignoring or dismissing the issue- “Oh, let’s talk about something else.”- “You’ll meet another girl and forget this one;

you’re a great guy.”

Acting shocked or embarrassed- “You aren’t REALLY thinking of suicide, are you?”

Challenging or debating- “So go ahead; see if things really DO get better.”- “Don’t you know that it is wrong to kill yourself?”

Giving harmful advice- “Let’s go get drunk and forget about all our problems.”

What is NOT Helpful

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Show You Care -Listen carefully

“I’m concerned about you . . . about how you feel.”

What IS Helpful

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Ask the Question -Be direct, but caring & non-confrontational

“Are you thinking about suicide?”

What IS Helpful

Get Help -Do not leave him/her alone

“You’re not alone. Let me help you.”

What IS Helpful

Youth Suicide: Resources• School counselor

• Crisis telephone hotline: 1-800-273-TALK 1-866-4-U-Trevor (GLBT support)

• Physician/health care provider

• Mental health specialist

• Coaches & youth leaders

• Parents & clergy• GLBT friendly services/people in community

and schools

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Youth Suicide:Prevention Works!