5723 young people (age 15-24) die by suicide each year (2016) at a rate of

1. 5723 young people (age 15-24) die by suicide each year (2016) at a rate of one suicide every two hours

2. Surprising Facts • 1 out of 6 students nationwide (grades 9–12) seriously considered suicide in the past year.

3. Suicide and the LGBTQ Community • 5x more likely to attempt suicide. • 8.4x more likely to attempt suicide if they have a highly rejecting family. • Each episode of LGBTQ victimization increases the likelihood of self-harming behavior by 2.5x.

4. Suicide Myths and Facts • Myth No one can stop a suicide, it is inevitable. • FactIf people in a crisis get the help they need, they will probably never be suicidal again. • Myth Confronting a person about suicide will only make them angry and increase the risk of suicide. • FactAsking someone directly about suicidal intent lowers anxiety, opens up communication and lowers the risk of an impulsive act. • Myth Only experts can prevent suicide. • Fact Suicide prevention is everybody’s business, and anyone can help prevent the tragedy of suicide

5. Suicide Myths and Facts • Myth Suicidal people keep their plans to themselves. • FactMost suicidal people communicate their intent sometime during the week preceding their attempt. • Myth Those who talk about suicide don’t do it. • FactPeople who talk about suicide may try, or even complete, an act of .. • Myth Once a person decides to complete suicide, there is nothing anyone can do to stop them. • Fact Suicide is the most preventable kind of death, and almost any positive action may save a life. How can I help? Ask the Question…

6. Suicide Myths and Facts • Myth If a suicidal youth tells a friend, the friend will access help. • Fact Most young people do not tell an adult. How can I help? Ask the Question…

7. Suicide Clues And Warning Signs • Suicide warning signs may be direct or indirect (clues) • If you are unsure if something said or done is a suicide • warning sign, ask about thoughts of suicide • The more warning signs observed, the greater the risk. • Take all signs seriously.

8. Suicide Clues And Warning Signs • Threats to hurt or kill him or herself • Current talk of suicide/making a plan • Strong wish to die/preoccupied with death • Anxious and depressed, not sleeping • Abusing substances

9. Suicide Clues And Warning Signs • No reason to live, no purpose in life • Feeling trapped with no way out • Withdrawing from friends, family and society • Anger, irritability, engaging in high risk behavior • apparently without thinking • Statements of hopelessness and despair

10. Direct Verbal Clues: • “I’ve decided to kill myself.” • “I wish I were dead.” • “I’m going to commit suicide.” • “I’m going to end it all.” • “If (such and such) doesn’t happen, I’ll kill myself.”

11. Indirect Verbal Clues • “I’m tired of life, I just can’t go on.” • “My family would be better off without me.” • “Who cares if I’m dead anyway.” • “I just want out.” • “I won’t be around much longer.” • “Pretty soon you won’t have to worry about me.”

12. Tips for Asking the Suicide Question • Be honest and direct • Refer to what the kid has done or said that made you worried: “When you said everyone would be better off without you…” • State your own feelings or concerns: “I’m worried about you.” • Ask directly, using direct language: “Have you been thinking of killing yourself?” Remember: How you ask the question is less important than that you ask it

13. How NOT to ask the suicide question: • “You’re not thinking of killing yourself, are you?” • “You wouldn’t do anything stupid would you?” • “Suicide is a dumb idea. Surely you’re not thinking about suicide?”

14. Change in Mood Based on Age 20 and Under 21 and Over