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LISD Suicide Awareness & Prevention Education CARE-Care, Acknowledge, Respond, Encourage. Guidance & Counseling Dept. Suicide …. cuts across age and ethnic groups, and socio-economic levels “is the end result of a process, not the process itself.”
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LISD Suicide Awareness & Prevention EducationCARE-Care, Acknowledge, Respond, Encourage Guidance & Counseling Dept.
Suicide … • cuts across age and ethnic groups, and socio-economic levels • “is the end result of a process, not the process itself.” • is a permanent solution to a temporary problem • is preventable
Myth vs. Fact • Myth- No one can stop a suicide; it is inevitable. Fact – Most suicides can be prevented. • Myth – Confrontation increases the risk. Fact – No research supports this belief. • Myth -Only experts can prevent attempts. Fact – Suicide is everyone’s business. • Myth – Suicidal people are secretive. Fact – Suicidal people often express their intent.
Be Aware of Feelings Some of the feelings that a person with suicide ideation may experience include: • Can’t stop the pain. • Can’t think clearly. • Can’t make decisions. • Can’t see any way out.
Be Aware of Feelings • Can’t get out of depression. • Can’t see a future without pain. • Can’t see themselves as worthwhile. • Can’t seem to get control.
Warning Signs of Suicide • Seriously depressed • Unusual neglect of personal appearance • Decline in school performance, difficulty in concentrating or inattentiveness • Irritability, mood swings, disruptive or rebellious behavior • Withdrawal from family and/or friendships
Warning Signs of Suicide • High risk behavior, including accident proneness, running away from home • Alcohol and drug use • Self-mutilation behaviors • Giving away prized possessions • Preoccupied with death or dying
Warning Signs of Suicide • Death or suicide themes dominate written, artistic, or creative work • Sense of hoplessness, worthlessness • Changes in behavior, appetite or sleep patterns • Major disappointment or humiliation, feelings of failure or having let parents or others down
Stressful Life Situations • Loss of a loved one through death or divorce • Loss of a relationship • Exposure to suicide, suicidal behavior or violent death of family member or friend • Exposure to violence, including child abuse or rape
Stressful Life Situations • Feared pregnancy • Dysfunctional family • Poor communication with parents
Verbal Expression of Suicidal Intent or Depression • “I wish I were dead.” • “I’m going to end it all.” • “No one cares if I live or die.” • “My family (or friends) will be better off without me.” • “I won’t be a problem much longer.” • “I can’t take it anymore.” “It’s no use.”
What Can You Do? • Always take plans of suicide seriously. • Never promise to keep a secret. • Be direct. Don’t be afraid to ask the person if he/she is contemplating suicide. • Don’t act shocked. Remain calm. • Don’t dare the person to do it. • Don’t try to minimize the problem or shame a person into changing his/her mind.
What Can You Do? • Acknowledge the person’s pain as legitimate. Reassure the person that help is available. • Remind the person that the problem is a temporary one. • Offer hope that there is a solution to the problem. • Take action. Get help. Refer the student to a school counselor (or nurse in the absence of a counselor). Never leave the student alone.
What Can You Do? • Let the student know that you CARE. (Care, Acknowledge, Respond, Encourage) • With support from parents, school administrators, counselors, and teachers and professional treatment, the child can return to a healthier path of development.
Help Is Available • School counselor, school nurse • Church pastor, priest, minister • Lifeline of Laredo, 722-5433 • Border Region MHMR- 794-3000 • Border Region MHMR, 1-800-448-4663 (after 5:00 p.m.) • CAPS – 794-3060 • National Youth Crisis Hotline, 1-800- 643-1102 • Mental Health professional
Protective Factors • Family cohesion • Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support self-preservation • Positive problem solving and coping skills • Involvement in school or community activities; school connectedness • Effective clinical care for mental, physical and substance abuse disorders.
The Journal of the American Medical Association has reported that 95% of all suicides occur at the peak of a depressive episode. • Education, recognition, and treatment are the keys to suicide prevention. • Show that you CARE (Care, Acknowledge, Respond, Encourage)
Sources • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention • Suicide Awareness-Voices of Education (SAVE) • American Association of Suicidology • National Mental Health Association • National Center for Injury Prevention and Control