Youth Suicide Prevention Awareness

Presentation based on Resources provided by the American Association of Suicidology | 5221 Wisconsin Avenue, NW | Washington, DC 20015

Phone: (202) 237-2280 | Fax: (202) 237-2282 | http://www.suicidology.org

Teen Suicide Prevention Videoshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BByqa7bhto

In this video created by Mayo Clinic, teens describe common signs that a teen is considering suicide and provide encouragement for communicating directly and immediately for support and safety. It also Includes suggestions for what to say to a teen who may be at risk for suicide and ways to keep them safe. Things can get better.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIeBxeOxFyE#t=82

Reach out to prevent teen suicide. This positive music video, created by Mayo Clinic, encourages troubled teens to communicate with an adult for help and support. It also depicts how teens can talk to adults in a variety of situations. Things can get better.

If you are worried about a friend

• Learn the warning signs and what to do.Among young people, friends sometimes let friends know if they are thinking about suicide or dying. Other times, they don't say anything, but their behavior communicates that they are struggling emotionally. Any of the following warning signs and risk factors should prompt you to express concern, ask about suicidal thoughts and plans, and help your friends get help.

If you are worried about a friend

• How could anyone want to die?Many people are unable to see alternatives to their problems or an end to their pain. Many who consider dying by suicide still want to live: your friend may have mixed feelings about acting on their thoughts of suicide. By recognizing his or her risk and getting him or her to help, a life can be saved.

If you are worried about a friend

• Go ahead and ask.It is safe to ask directly, "Are you thinking about killing yourself?" Talking about suicide does not cause suicide. If you have difficulty asking the youth about his or her thoughts, enlist an adult to help you. Or call Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) and the trained counselors there will help you.

If you are worried about a friend

• Don't keep secrets.Rather than promising your friend to keep their thoughts of suicide a secret, tell him or her you can help, but you need to involve other people. True friends will remain your friend, even if he or she does not initially agree with your approach to help-seeking. Your efforts to help another will not overlooked. Keeping secrets about suicide can have devastating consequences that could affect you for a long time.

If you are worried about a friend

• Really listen.Show your interest and support without judgment. Don't interrupt, and don't give advice. Express concern and tell your friend that you will get him/her help together. Simply showing a friend that you care enough to listen can be lifesaving.

If you are worried about a friend

• Stay with your friend.Don't leave a suicidal friend alone. Go with him or her to a mental health professional, hospital emergency room, or his or her doctor.

If you are worried about a friend

• Move out of harm's way.If there are firearms, drugs, or other means of suicide in his or her house, remove them until the crisis has passed. Make inaccessible anything that might be used by your friend in an impulsive moment.

If you are worried about a friend

• Take care of yourself.Helping a suicidal friend is stressful. Make sure you get support: talk to a friend or family member and get good food, rest, exercise, and whatever else you need.

Warning Signs and Risk Factors

Warning Signs and Risk Factors

• A Young Person is at Critical Risk of Suicide if He or She:• Threatens to hurt or kill him or herself; or talks of wanting

to hurt or kill him or herself; and/or,• Looks for ways to kill him or herself by seeking access to

firearms, pills, or other means; and/or• Talks or writes about death, dying or suicide, when these

actions are out of the ordinary. If your friend somehow indicates or communicates suicidal thoughts, get help immediately from a mental health professional or a professional or a hospital emergency department, or call 9-1-1.

Warning Signs and Risk Factors

• If a youth shows or expresses any of the following behaviors or symptoms, they may signal a suicidal crisis. An evaluation by a mental health professional is essential to rule out the possibility of suicide and/or to initiate appropriate treatment.

Warning Signs and Risk Factors• Feelings of Hopelessness• Anxiety, agitation, trouble sleeping or sleeping all the time• Expressions of having no reason for living; no sense of purpose in life• Feelings of being trapped - like there's no way out• Increase alcohol and/or drug use• Withdrawal from friends, family, and community• Rage, uncontrolled anger, expressions of wanting or seeking revenge• Reckless behavior or more risky activities, seemingly without

thinking• Dramatic mood changes• Giving Away Prized Possessions

Warning Signs and Risk Factors

• Get HelpGet help by contacting a mental health professional or calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). The Lifeline staff can refer you to resources in your community. Lifeline has trained counselors available 24/7. To find support outside the U.S., go to Befrienders Worldwide.

Risk Factors for Suicide

• Keep in mind events and circumstances that increase risk:

• Having more warning signsIf your friend has more than a couple of these warning signs for suicide in the near-term, do contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or a mental health professional: having more than one of these signs has been associated with greater risk of suicidal behavior. (Remember, if a youth has critical warning signs like talking about killing him or herself or dying or looking for ways to kill him or herself, get immediate help.)

• LossesLosses and other events- whether anticipated or actual - can lead to feelings of shame, humiliation, or despair and may serve as triggering events for suicidal behavior. Triggering events include events include losses, such as the breakup of a relationship or a death; academic failures; trouble with authorities, such as school suspensions or legal difficulties; bullying; or health problems. This is especially true for youth already vulnerable because of low self-esteem or a mental disorder, such as depression. Help is available and should be arranged.

• Previous suicide attemptsIf your friend has attempted suicide in the past, he or she is at increased risk for another attempt or suicide. Many suicide attempts go unrecognized, but if you are aware of a previous attempt, pay attention to the warning signs. If your friend is expressing some thoughts about suicide, it's okay to ask, "have you ever had these thoughts before?" and if so, "have you ever done anything about them?" This is especially important when conditions are similar to the prior attempt.

Know the Warning Signs

How do you Remember the Warning Signs of Suicide?Here’s an Easy-to-Remember Mnemonic:

IS PATH WARM?• I Ideation• S Substance Abuse

• P purposelessness• A anxiety• T trapped• H hopelessness

• W withdrawal• A anger• R recklessness• M Mood Changes

A person in acute risk for suicidal behavior most often will show:

Warning Signs of Acute Risk:

• Threatening to hurt or kill him or herself, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill him/herself; and/or,

• Looking for ways to kill him/herself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means; and/or,

• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary.

• These might be remembered as expressed or communicated ideation. If observed, seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for a referral.

Additional Warning Signs:

• Increased substance (alcohol or drug) use• No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life• Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time• Feeling trapped - like there’s no way out• Hopelessness• Withdrawal from friends, family and society• Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly

without thinking• Dramatic mood changes.

If observed, seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or calling 1-

800-273-TALK (8255) for a referral.