Youth Suicide:Prevention Works!Presented by:Mount Si High School Students: ASB Senators, Natural Helpers, ASB Officers and Committee Members.We would like to thank:Kelly Chatwood, MPHKing County Field Coordinator ,Youth Suicide Prevention Program of Washington Statefor her assistance with this presentation.

www.yspp.org

• Irritability• Anxiety• Physical complaints• Over-reaction to criticism• Poor school performance

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

• 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

• Someone to listen• Learn skills for coping• Support

Benefits of Getting Help

• Thoughts• Attempts• Death

Suicidal Behaviors

• 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

• Youth suicide is a major problem in Washington State

• Talking about suicide may help to save a life

The Point Is…

Activity: Cups

Think about stressors teens have…a problem, worry or concern that a teen might have…

This cup represents those stressors.

Relationships

Individual• Depression, hopelessness anxiety• drugs and/or alcohol use

Home

School

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

• Failing grades• Suspension• School pressures• Rejection

• Break up with girlfriend/ boyfriend• Pregnancy • Bullying

Causes of Suicidal Behavior

• LOSS is a common theme.

• There are usually many causes.

The Point is….

Warning Signs

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

• Depression Moody, down Feeling hopeless, withdrawing

• Drug/Alcohol Use

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

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

What IS Helpful

Show You Care--Listen carefully

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

What IS Helpful

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.”

• School counselor• Crisis telephone hot-line 1-800-273-TALK• Physicians/health care providers• Mental health specialist• Teachers, coaches, parent• Clergy, youth leaders• GLBT friendly services/people in

community/schools• Teen Link (Crisis Clinic of King County) 866-

TEENLINK (answered by teens)

Resources for Help

Youth Suicide:Prevention Works!

Questions???

www.yspp.org