The Jason Foundation, Inc.

“A Promise for Tomorrow”

A Youth Curriculum Unitfor the awareness and prevention

ofYouth Suicide

www.jasonfoundation.com

Lesson A

“A Promise for Tomorrow”

“A Promise for Tomorrow”

In 1999, U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. David Satcher,

declared suicide as a “National Health Problem”…especially within the youth

and elderly populations.

“A Promise for Tomorrow”

Jason’s Story

Let’s see whatyou already

know about the problem of

Youth Suicide.

“A Promise for Tomorrow”

Questions

Trueor

False

Question 1

Suicide is the THIRD leading cause of death among young people

between the ages of 10 and 24.

Answer

TRUE

In theUnited StatesHow many young people do we lose,

each year, to suicide?

It is estimated that

We will lose approximately 5,000

young people to suicide each year.

Each week,

We lose approximately 100 young people to the “Silent Epidemic”

of youth suicide.

Question 2

People who talk about or threaten suicide

rarely die by suicide.

Answer

FALSE

Question 3

Approximately one young person dies by suicide every 2 hours.

Answer

TRUE

Question 4

Talking to someone about suicidal feelings

may cause them to attempt suicide.

Answer

FALSE

Question 5

Suicide is Preventable.

Answer

TRUE

Question 6

People who are contemplating suicide

almost always tell someone beforehand.

Answer

TRUE

70% ShareWhat are some things that people might say?Who do you talk to if you hear someone say

something?

In fact,

In almost 70% of all suicides the person told someone their

intentions at least ONE hour before.

Why didn’t that person say anything about what they had been told?

Youth Suicide Statistics

• Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people, ages 10 to 24.

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for college-age youth.

• Youth suicides have tripled since the late 1960s.

• Approximately 100 young people lose their lives to suicide in the U.S. every week.

• There has been over a 100% increase in suicides for 10 to 14 year olds since 1980.

• More teenagers and young adults are lost to suicide than die from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza and chronic lung disease, combined.

Lesson B

“Choices”

MarkJan

Coach ParksCathy

TomarcusParents

“A Promise for Tomorrow”

Lesson C

“A Promise for Tomorrow”

Just a Bad Day or Something More…• Is it normal to have a “bad” day?

• Do you think everyone feels sad or down at times?

• What are some words you use to describe how you feel on your bad days.

• Does anyone notice when you are having a bad day? If yes, who?

• How do you know they notice?

• How can you determine if it is more than “just a bad day”?

Signs of ConcernLet’s look at some signs of concern (warning signs) that may indicate a person might be having thoughts of suicide.

• Suicide Threats• Previous Suicide Attempts• Sudden Changes in Behavior• Depression• Final Arrangements

Suicide Threats• “I would be better off dead.”

• “You won’t have me around to bother you much longer!”

• “I wish I was dead.”

• “I wish I could go to sleep and never wake up.”

• “I am going to kill myself.” (This is very straight forward, but it happens.)

PreviousSuicide Attempts• One out of three completed suicides

is not the first attempt.

• Physical mutilation (cutting) and/or other self-harm behaviors are a sign of wanting to hurt one’s self physically to relieve an emotional pain…it can sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts.

• Even if the attempt seems to be “only for attention”, take it as a serious cry for help and seek help immediately.

Sudden Changesin Behavior

• A loud person becomes quiet and reserved or a quiet person becomes loud and obvious.

• A person withdraws from activities he or she used to enjoy.

• A gentle person becomes aggressive and angers easily.

• An outgoing person becomes withdrawn.

• Declining grades or changes in class attendance.

Depression• Feeling sad or hopeless every day

for two weeks or longer• Feelings of being alone or of no

one caring• Sleeplessness or wanting to sleep

an abnormal amount of time• Eating disorders - eating too much

or not enough• Lack of interest in activities once

enjoyed

Final Arrangements

• Giving away “prized possessions”• Favorite piece of jewelry or clothing

• Driver’s license

• Collection – cards, music, etc.

• “Making rounds”• Visiting friends to set things right

and / or say good-bye.

• Sharing of funeral plans • Primarily by girls to a best friend.

Lesson D

“Choices”

“A Promise for Tomorrow”

Lesson E

“A Promise for Tomorrow”

How to HelpTalk, Listen and Respond with:

L. I. F. E.

Listen

Insist on honesty

Feelings - share them

Extend a helping hand

L.I.F.E.IT’S ABOUT LIVING LIFE!

L – represents the very first thing you must

do. LISTEN

I – represents the second thing you can do to

help. INSIST ON HONESTY

F – stands for the third thing you can do to help

your friend, talk about FEELINGS, yours and theirs.

E – is for EXTEND A HELPING HAND. Go with your friend to get help.

Resources for Help• Favorite Teacher or Coach

• Parent

• Minister/Clergy

• Guidance Counselor

• Medical Doctor

• Other Trusted Adult

• Local Crisis Line

• Local Mental Health Center

Friends Helping Friends

• If you see any of the signs mentioned in a friend or a classmate, tell a responsible adult immediately.

• Be willing to risk your friendship to save a friend.

REMEMBER

Your knowledge of suicidal ideation could save someone’s life.

Rascal FlattsB1 Project

“A Promise for Tomorrow”

B1 Project• Rascal Flatts and The Jason Foundation are working together to

prevent youth suicide. Rascal Flatts became JFI Ambassadors in June 2010.

• Theme is “Someone you know may need a friend, B1.

• B1 encourages young people to “B Aware, B Able, and B Prepared” for their friends who may be struggling with

suicidal thoughts.

www.rascalflattsb1.com

The Jason Foundation, Inc.

“A Promise for Tomorrow”

A Youth Curriculum Unitfor the awareness and prevention

ofYouth Suicide

www.jasonfoundation.com