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Suicide. “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” Dale Carnegie. Statistics from Washington State…. There are an average of two youth suicides a week in Washington State.
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Suicide “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” Dale Carnegie
Statistics from Washington State… • There are an average of two youth suicides a week in Washington State. • Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds. • The first leading cause of death is car crashes. • For every completed suicide, there are at least 6 attempts which cause serious injury requiring hospitalization.
Facts and Myths about Suicide • People who talk about suicide seldom mean it and can, in fact, be regarded as low risk to commit suicide. FALSE: Many times people do in fact give verbal clues prior to a suicide. “I can’t see any other way out” or “you’ll be sorry when I’m gone”
Facts and Myths about Suicide 2. The fact that a person has attempted suicide once greatly reduces the risk of a second attempt. False – it actually increases the risk 3. If you ask a person directly if he or she is thinking about suicide, you might implant the idea in their mind. Therefore this type of direct questioning should be avoided when assessing suicidal intent. False – you should be direct, many times it is a relief to a person and opens the door for them to talk about it.
Facts and Myths about Suicide 4. Women attempt suicide more often than men. True 5. The probability of actually killing themselves during a suicide attempt is higher among men that women. True – because men tend to use more violent methods.
Facts and Myths about Suicide 6. Most suicides occur without recognizable warnings. False – 8 out of 10 give warning – however most are not recognized until after. 7. The loss of loved ones or relationships has little to do with suicidal behavior. False – major loss can trigger depression which can lead to suicide
Facts and Myths about Suicide 8. If your friend confides in you that he/she is depressed and doesn’t want to go on, it is important to keep their secret, protect their privacy and try to help them on your own. False – TELL SOMEONE – get help, a mad friend is better that a dead friend.
Facts and Myths about Suicide 9. Most people who attempt suicide and live are glad they are alive True – they realize later that problems are temporary and see that they do pass 10. If a person is determined to kill him/herself, nothing is going to stop them. False – even the most depressed person has mixed feelings about death. Most do not want to die – they just want the pain to stop. Lidia's Story: A Suicide Loss Survivor Speaks Out - YouTube
The Point is…. • Youth suicide is a major problem in Washington State • Talking about suicide may help to save a life
Individual • Depression, hopelessness anxiety • drugs and/or alcohol use School • Failing grades • Suspension • School pressures Home • Family conflicts/fights • Death/divorce • Abuse Causes of Suicidal Behaviorsome examples…. Don’t have to write this all down Relationships • Break up with girlfriend/ boyfriend • Conflicts, crisis, abuse
There are usually MANY Causes for Suicidal Behavior • “Suicidal Behavior” is progressive…. it starts with Thoughts and leads to Actions…
Increased use of alcohol/drugs Sudden changes in eating/sleeping habits Changes in appearance Changes in personality – anger, bizarre behavior Sudden mood swings… ups and downs… Lots of risk taking… not caring if they get hurt Lack of interest in activities or school Don’t want to hang out with friends anymore – withdrawal Preoccupation with death – music, drawings, poetry, etc… Giving away prized possessions Previous attempts of suicide Suicide threats, plans or talking about it Unexplained sudden recovery from a severe depression Warning Signs for Suicide
3 Categories of Cues… • Verbal… • Saying things like… I hate my life, I want to die, I wish I wasn’t here, no one would be sorry if I were gone, there’s no point to living, I just want it to be over, I wish I had never been born,
3 Categories of Cues… • Behavioral… • Changes in behavior, talking, writing letters, big character changes, crying, deep hopelessness, change in appearance, change in friends, focus on death, giving away stuff, increase in drug and alcohol use
3 Categories of Cues… • Situational… difficult situations in life can lead to depression – which can lead to suicide.. academic problems, divorce, parent issues, athlete who breaks a leg, bullying, gossip, no friends, death of a loved one, abuse, disease, pregnancy, break up of relationship…
Things that Increase Suicidal Risk • Easy access to guns • Impulsiveness • No one to talk to • Drug and alcohol use
Something to think about… “Suicide is not chosen; it happens when pain exceeds resources for coping with pain.” You can survive suicidal feelings if you do either of two things: (1) find a way to reduce your pain, or (2) find a way to increase your coping resources. Both are possible.
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 get drunk and forget about our problems.”
What IS Helpful… • Show You Care--Listen carefully “I’m concerned about you . . . about how you feel.” • Ask the Question--Be direct but caring & non-confrontational “Are you thinking about suicide?” • Get Help--Do not leave him/her alone “You’re not alone. Let me help you.”
Suicide is a PERMANENT solution to TEMPORARY problems.
Resources for Help • School counselor • Crisis telephone hot-lines: 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK • Physicians/health care providers • Mental health counselor • Parents • Coaches, teachers, youth leaders
Depression, What it feels to have it – YouTube • Kristen Jane Anderson's Interview on Oprah – YouTube
Why- Rascal Flatts Lyrics – YouTube • Matt Kennon, "The Call" - OFFICIAL VIDEO – YouTube Just watch the first part with the guy in the car….