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Youth Suicide: Prevention Works!. Signs and Symptoms of Depression. Irritability Anxiety Physical complaints Over-reaction to criticism Poor school performance. www.yspp.org. Possible Impacts of Depression. School or work effects - missing class
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Signs and Symptoms of Depression • Irritability • Anxiety • Physical complaints • Over-reaction to criticism • Poor school performance www.yspp.org
Possible Impacts of Depression • School or work effects - missing class • Physical Effects - losing weight • Emotional or personal effects - friends annoyed that I am always “down” www.yspp.org
Benefits of Getting Help • Someone to listen • Learn skills for coping • Support www.yspp.org
Suicidal Behaviors • Thoughts • Attempts • Death www.yspp.org
Facts & Myths About Suicide • 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 www.yspp.org
The Point Is… • Youth suicide is a major problem in Washington State • Talking about suicide may help to save a life www.yspp.org
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
Underlying Causes of Suicidal Behavior Individual • Depression, hopelessness anxiety • drugs and/or alcohol use School Relationships Failing grades Suspension School pressures Rejection Break up with girlfriend/ boyfriend Pregnancy Bullying Home Family conflicts/fights Death/divorce Abuse Rejection www.yspp.org
The Point is…. • LOSS is a common theme. • There are usually many causes. www.yspp.org
Warning Signs • 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 www.yspp.org
What is NOT Helpful 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.” www.yspp.org
What IS Helpful Show You Care -Listen carefully “I’m concerned about you . . . about how you feel.” www.yspp.org
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.”
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 www.yspp.org