Welcome Parents!

1. Welcome Parents!

2. 9th grade Parent Chat • Partner with Parents • Increase communication • Discuss real issues - SOS Presentation • Educate, share information and resources • Open forum for questions • New you can use

3. Signs of Suicide (SOS)High School Prevention Program • WHY? • Prevention is taking place throughout our county • To prevent we must educate • GOAL • To provide information about the signs and symptoms to watch for in your children • To offer mental health resources in the event that you need help

4. PrevalenceStatistics from 2011 in Gwinnett County • FACT: Last year, Gwinnett County Public Schools had 5 students complete suicide. • FACT: In 2010-2011, Gwinnett County Public Schools conducted a student health survey • 2,163 students in middle and high school reported seriously considering suicide in the past 12 months. • In the same survey, 1171 students reported attempting suicide in the past year.

5. GEORGIA STATISTICS(Prevalence) • Every year is GA, suicide claims the lives of approx. 900 people, 2800 more are hospitalized & 5400 visit emergency hospitals because of intentionally inflicted injuries. (Ga Dept. of Human Resources – “Suicide in GA, State & County Statistics”) • Suicide was the 3rd most common cause of death of people between the ages of 15 and 34. • Approximately 11% of suicides occur in Gwinnett county.

6. Why are Georgia’s Statistics so alarming to warrant a comprehensive report? • Suicide is highest in states where there are large rural areas. • Access to firearms • From 1999 to 2002, 69% of suicides involved firearms.

7. MYTHS ABOUT DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE MYTH: • It’s normal for teenagers to be moody; Teens don’t suffer from “real” depression. FACT: • Depression can affect people at any age or of any race, ethnicity, or economic group. MYTH: • Teens who claim to be depressed are weak and just need to pull themselves together. There is nothing anyone else can do to help. FACT: • Depression is not a weakness, but a serious health disorder. • Young people and adults who are depressed need professional treatment. • A trained therapist or counselor can help them learn more positive ways to think about themselves, change behavior, cope with problems, or handle relationships. • A physician can prescribe medications to help relieve symptoms of depression. • For many people, a combination of psychotherapy and medication is beneficial. MYTH: People who talk about suicide won’t really do it. FACT: • Almost everyone who dies by suicide has given some clue or warning. • Do not ignore suicide threats. • Statements like “You’ll be sorry when I’m dead,” or “I can’t see any way out” – no matter how casually or jokingly said – may indicate serious suicidal feelings

8. MORE MYTHS MYTH: Anyone who tries to kill themselves must be crazy. FACT: • Most suicidal people are not psychotic or insane. • They must be upset, grief-stricken, depressed, or despairing, but extreme distress and emotional pain are not necessarily signs of mental illness. MTYH: If a person is determined to kill themselves, nothing is going to stop them. FACT: • Even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings about death, wavering until the very last moment between wanting to live and wanting to die. • Most suicidal people do not want death; they want the pain to stop. • The impulse to end it all, however overpowering, does not last forever. MYTH: People who commit suicide are people who were unwilling to seek help. FACT: • Studies of suicide victims have shown that more than half had sought medical help within six months before their deaths. MYTH: Talking about suicide may give someone the idea. FACT: • You don’t give a suicidal person morbid ideas by talking about suicide. • The opposite is true. Bringing up suicide and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do. • There is no evidence that screening youth for suicide induces suicidal thinking or behavior.

9. Signs (Symptoms) of Depression • Sadness, down, grouchy or irritable • Change in sleeping patterns (too much, too little or disturbed) • Change in weight or appetite (decreased or increased) • Speaking and/or moving with unusual speed or slowness • Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities • Withdrawal from family & friends • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt • Feelings of hopelessness or desperation • Diminished ability to think or concentrate, slowed thinking or indecisiveness • Thoughts of death, suicide, or wishes to be dead (Screening for Mental Health, Suicide Prevention Program) Risk Factors for Suicidal Behavior • Depression • Strong feelings of hopelessness • Drug and/or alcohol abuse • Access to guns • Strong feelings of wanting to be dead • A previous suicide attempt • Demonstrating behaviors indicating suicidal thoughts • Talking or writing about death/suicide • Giving away possessions • Saying goodbye • Serious behavior or conduct problems • Legal or discipline crisis occurring • Having a past history or currently being emotionally, physically or sexually abused • Lack of mental health treatment for depression or other psychiatric illness (Screening for Mental Health, Suicide Prevention Program)

10. SO WHAT CAN YOU DO? • Do not be afraid to talk to your kids about suicide. • Know the risk factors and warning signs of youth suicide. • Respond immediately if your child is showing warning signs. • Use the parent screening handout as a guide. • Reach out to the School Counselors for resources. • Make all firearms inaccessible to kids.

11. QUESTIONS

12. News you can use • Beta Club offers peer tutoring for free • Math Help • Most teachers are available before school for additional help. • We also have teachers that tutor at neighborhood libraries for a fee. • Anchor Church has a tutoring ministry that is at no cost to parents. • Sign up for Be There @ GCPS New Parent Involvement Newsletter. • http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001ti8yLLtrqgoJL3gRKLU4Nw%3D%3D • All teachers are available via email • Don’t have internet access, call the counselor