Not One More Stopping the Suicide Epidemic Suicide

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Not One More! Stopping the Suicide Epidemic

Not One More! Stopping the Suicide Epidemic

Suicide is…. .

Suicide is…. .

The Enemy Within Play video clip “The Enemy Within” Available from the California Highway

The Enemy Within Play video clip “The Enemy Within” Available from the California Highway Patrol

Definition of Suicide “Suicide is a conscious act of self-induced annihilation, best understood …as

Definition of Suicide “Suicide is a conscious act of self-induced annihilation, best understood …as a needful individual who defines an issue for which the suicide is perceived as the best solution. ” Dr. Ed Shneidman, Suicide as Psychache, 1993

Suicide Survivors Family members and others who survive • Spouse • Grandparents following the

Suicide Survivors Family members and others who survive • Spouse • Grandparents following the death of their loved one by • Significant Others • Lovers suicide: 6: 1 • Parents • Children • Extended family • Friends • Co-Workers • Classmates

Nationwide Statistics 2004 data One suicide every 16 minutes 11 th ranking cause of

Nationwide Statistics 2004 data One suicide every 16 minutes 11 th ranking cause of death in the US 811, 000 suicide attempts every year 5 million living Americans have attempted suicide Firearms used in 52% of suicides

Suicide in Specific Populations

Suicide in Specific Populations

Law Enforcement Suicide Compared LE Suicide Rate LE LODD Rate LE Homicide Rate

Law Enforcement Suicide Compared LE Suicide Rate LE LODD Rate LE Homicide Rate

Law Enforcement and Retirement Retired Comparison Group Retired LE - Medical Disability

Law Enforcement and Retirement Retired Comparison Group Retired LE - Medical Disability

Write a Name Exercise

Write a Name Exercise

“It takes only the smallest of changes to shatter an epidemic’s equilibrium. ” Malcolm

“It takes only the smallest of changes to shatter an epidemic’s equilibrium. ” Malcolm Gladwell in the “Tipping Point”

The Tipping Point: Agents of Change The Law of the Few The Stickiness Factor

The Tipping Point: Agents of Change The Law of the Few The Stickiness Factor The Power of Context

The Law of the Few Connectors Mavens Persuaders

The Law of the Few Connectors Mavens Persuaders

The Stickiness Factor Courage is taking the first step Let us help each other

The Stickiness Factor Courage is taking the first step Let us help each other live Just do something! Advice that is practical and personal also becomes memorable…

The Power of Context Epidemics strongly influenced by their situation Circumstances and conditions Particulars

The Power of Context Epidemics strongly influenced by their situation Circumstances and conditions Particulars of environments Kitty Genovese Graffiti

Courage Communication Awareness One Voice

Courage Communication Awareness One Voice

Attempt “Suicide is completed in Gesture inches not in leaps” Ideation Completion

Attempt “Suicide is completed in Gesture inches not in leaps” Ideation Completion

Exercise Write down the 3 most important things in your life.

Exercise Write down the 3 most important things in your life.

Myths? • Happens without warning • Low risk after mood improvement • Once suicidal,

Myths? • Happens without warning • Low risk after mood improvement • Once suicidal, always suicidal e icid u s n io ent m ’t Don • Only experts can prevent it • Runs in the family • No note = no suicide

More Myths. . • Suicide is not preventable • Only certain “types” of people

More Myths. . • Suicide is not preventable • Only certain “types” of people become suicidal • Don’t talk about suicide or they will “do it. ” • Antidepressants cause people to be suicidal

Phil’s Letter to Mom

Phil’s Letter to Mom

Life’s Most Valuable ____ My mind ____ My family ____ My work

Life’s Most Valuable ____ My mind ____ My family ____ My work

Loss or change in an important relationship To avoid or end perceived pain Escape

Loss or change in an important relationship To avoid or end perceived pain Escape intolerable situation Gain attention Manipulate Punish others/Punish self Become a martyr Loss change important perceived intolerable

Social Support System Warning signs Separation from family or friends - Geographic, legal, temporary

Social Support System Warning signs Separation from family or friends - Geographic, legal, temporary Loss of significant others A loner or newcomer Rejected by peers Feels like people don’t care

Why Police Officers Commit Suicide Loss due to death or divorce Marital problems or

Why Police Officers Commit Suicide Loss due to death or divorce Marital problems or a bad relationship Terminal illness Guilt over partner’s death Legal Problems Feeling alone L O S S Sexual Accusations Disability/Retirement Internal Affairs Investigation Financial Problems Arrest Loss of Employment PTSD

Loss of Rational Thinking Lack of sleep Stress or anxiety Substance Abuse Immaturity Psychosis:

Loss of Rational Thinking Lack of sleep Stress or anxiety Substance Abuse Immaturity Psychosis: Command hallucinations Alien control Religious preoccupation

Symptoms of Depression Change in sleep Change in appetite Loss of energy, motivation Loss

Symptoms of Depression Change in sleep Change in appetite Loss of energy, motivation Loss of interest in pleasurable activity Apathy Deterioration of personal appearance Deterioration of job performance Frequent physical complaints Preoccupation with death

Intense arousal after a traumatic event It is from PTSD that the unseen Overwhelms

Intense arousal after a traumatic event It is from PTSD that the unseen Overwhelms coping mechanisms wounds of an officer begin to manifest. Since wefeeling do nothelpless see and Leaves the responder these out ofbattle controlscars, we sometimes PTSD try to pretend they do not exist. Posttraumatic stress is not prejudiced Trying to pretend doesn’t make PTSD invades the mind with almost the pain go away. constant thoughts about the event

It’s Everybody’s Business The student will be able to list the Do& signals Something!

It’s Everybody’s Business The student will be able to list the Do& signals Something! signs of a person who is at risk of suicide.

Suicide and Alcohol Risk is 2 -3 x higher among alcoholics 15 -25% of

Suicide and Alcohol Risk is 2 -3 x higher among alcoholics 15 -25% of suicides are completed by alcoholics 50% of those who completed suicide were intoxicated Among suicides of alcoholics, 89% were actively drinking at time of death

Indirect Verbal Clues • I can’t go on any longer • Nobody needs me

Indirect Verbal Clues • I can’t go on any longer • Nobody needs me anymore • I’m tired of life • You won’t be seeing me any more • I can’t take it any more • You’d be better off without me • I can’t take the pain

Buying a weapon Indirect Suicide Indicators Giving away possessions Clues. . . . Clues.

Buying a weapon Indirect Suicide Indicators Giving away possessions Clues. . . . Clues. . Changes in social behavior • The “practice run” Reckless officer safety/behavior • Sudden religious Changes in personality interest/ disinterest • Substance abuse relapse • More confrontational with subject

Direct Verbal Clues • I wish I were dead • You’d be better off

Direct Verbal Clues • I wish I were dead • You’d be better off without me • I might as well be dead • If ___doesn’t happen, I’m going to end it • I’m going to commit suicide • I’m going to kill myself

How Bad Is It? How: üIs the plan specific? üDo they have the means?

How Bad Is It? How: üIs the plan specific? üDo they have the means? üAre the means lethal? Lethality lets you know how History: much help you need and üPrior attempts? how fast you need it üAny family history? Help: üAre they alone? üAre they drinking?

Intervention is Action Do Something! Respond! A Silent Code 3 Request for Help

Intervention is Action Do Something! Respond! A Silent Code 3 Request for Help

Barricades to Seeking Help Denial Avoidance Anger Fear: Will impact job Command will be

Barricades to Seeking Help Denial Avoidance Anger Fear: Will impact job Command will be contacted Hospitalization Being labeled

Do’s of Intervention Remain calm Accept their feelings Focus on central issue Stay close

Do’s of Intervention Remain calm Accept their feelings Focus on central issue Stay close Emphasize temporary nature of problem Explore resources ** Listen what ** Listen Hear is being said **

Don’ts of Intervention Don’t sound shocked Don’t offer empty promises Don’t try to joke

Don’ts of Intervention Don’t sound shocked Don’t offer empty promises Don’t try to joke them out of it Don’t debate morality Don’t assume things will improve Don’t leave person alone Don’t keep it a secret

A Good Listener: Copes with strong emotion Is prepared to listen – time Provides

A Good Listener: Copes with strong emotion Is prepared to listen – time Provides for comfort Tolerates repetition Listens carefully Respect others perspective Avoids interrupting WAIT THINK RESPOND

The Question Have you been thinking of killing yourself?

The Question Have you been thinking of killing yourself?

Important Questions How would you kill yourself? When did you last think about suicide?

Important Questions How would you kill yourself? When did you last think about suicide? What is the closest you’ve come? Have you ever attempted suicide? Has anyone in your family attempted/completed suicide? What are the odds that you will kill yourself? What has been keeping you alive so far? What do you think the future holds in store for you?

Referrals • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Health Care Plan

Referrals • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Health Care Plan

Suicidal Thoughts Relationship Difficulties In! Do. Boxed Something! Depression/Trauma Adverse Job Action Alcohol Abuse

Suicidal Thoughts Relationship Difficulties In! Do. Boxed Something! Depression/Trauma Adverse Job Action Alcohol Abuse

Do Something! Continue C. P. R. : Caring Life Do. Preserving Something! Referrals and

Do Something! Continue C. P. R. : Caring Life Do. Preserving Something! Referrals and Resources

Suicide Postvention

Suicide Postvention

Survivor Reactions High risk groups Children/Siblings “Stigma spillover” Friends/Coworkers Parents Those who find the

Survivor Reactions High risk groups Children/Siblings “Stigma spillover” Friends/Coworkers Parents Those who find the body Spouses/Significant Others Those who witness the suicide

Survivor Reactions “Survivor Syndrome” Shock Numbness Denial of death as a Suicide Religious concerns

Survivor Reactions “Survivor Syndrome” Shock Numbness Denial of death as a Suicide Religious concerns Prolonged search for “Why? ? ” Fear of personal susceptibility

Survivor Reactions Emotional u G ! li t Shame Anger Responsibility Blaming Scapegoating Abandonment

Survivor Reactions Emotional u G ! li t Shame Anger Responsibility Blaming Scapegoating Abandonment

Survivor Reactions Loneliness Social Isolation* Social stigma Diminished social supports Difficulty trusting others Negative

Survivor Reactions Loneliness Social Isolation* Social stigma Diminished social supports Difficulty trusting others Negative family relations Over protectiveness

Play video clip “Suicide Interviews Take 2” stored on Disk #2

Play video clip “Suicide Interviews Take 2” stored on Disk #2

Suicide Is…

Suicide Is…

The Cost of Suicide Cut off from support Achievements minimized Private shame and guilt

The Cost of Suicide Cut off from support Achievements minimized Private shame and guilt No honors or recognition Support network collapses Decreased benefits

“Hindering” Survivors Denying the death as a suicide Ignoring or not taking the problem

“Hindering” Survivors Denying the death as a suicide Ignoring or not taking the problem seriously Pressuring them to “get over it” Self-medicating/Taking them drinking Offering negative religious judgments Being judgmental

Helping Survivors Let them talk I’m sorry for your loss… How can I help?

Helping Survivors Let them talk I’m sorry for your loss… How can I help? Is there anyone I can call for you? Since the suicide, what are the biggest challenges for you? Use the loved one’s name.

Additional Help: Help the group care about the person, and accept the choice he

Additional Help: Help the group care about the person, and accept the choice he or she made Refer individuals who are struggling excessively with anger, loss, or guilt Don’t remain the only one helping

“Attitudes outweigh facts. Attitudes must change so that statistics can change. ” KARL MENNINGER

“Attitudes outweigh facts. Attitudes must change so that statistics can change. ” KARL MENNINGER Do Something!

Let us all have Not the One More… courage to take a stand Not

Let us all have Not the One More… courage to take a stand Not One More…