180 likes | 261 Views
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, MPH
E N D
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, MPH King County Field Coordinator ,Youth Suicide Prevention Program of Washington Statefor her assistance with this presentation. www.yspp.org
Signs and Symptoms of Depression • Irritability • Anxiety • Physical complaints • Over-reaction to criticism • Poor school performance
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”
Benefits of Getting Help • Someone to listen • Learn skills for coping • Support
Suicidal Behaviors • Thoughts • Attempts • Death
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
The Point Is… • Youth suicide is a major problem in Washington State • Talking about suicide may help to save a life
Activity: Cups Think about stressors teens have…a problem, worry or concern that a teen might have… This cup represents those stressors.
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
The Point is…. • LOSS is a common theme. • There are usually many causes.
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
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.”
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.”
Resources for Help • 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)
Youth Suicide:Prevention Works! Questions??? www.yspp.org