Suicide A permanent solution to a temporary problem

Why Suicide Prevention? n 105 school-aged Idaho children lost to suicide in the last 5 years (Center for Disease Control 2017) n 27 of the 105 were age 14 or younger. n 1 in 5 Idaho high school students has seriously considered suicide. (Idaho Youth Risk Survey Data 2017) n 1 in 10 has made a suicide attempt. (Source: IYRSD 2017) n Suicide is the 2 nd leading cause of death among those 14 -24 years old. (mental health institute website)

Suicide Prevention Cont. n Specific things teens are trying to escape from… 1. feelings of rejection, hurt, loss or hopelessness. 2. anger, ashamed, or guilty about something 3. worried 4. about disappointing friends or family members feeling unwanted, unloved, victimized, or like they're a burden to others

Know the Facts

Who’s at Risk? (Pick 4) n Teens who are depressed n Teens who have alcohol and drug problems n Teens who are LGBTQ or are questioning their sexuality n Recent or serious loss n Family history of suicide n Gifted and Talented n Teens who are or have been abused

Warning Signs!! Serious Risk (pick 4) • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain • Talking about being a burden to others/ talking about “going away” • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs • Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly • Sleeping too little or too much • Withdrawing or feeling isolated • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge • Displaying extreme mood swings • Pulling away from friends or family and losing the desire to go out Immediate Risk n Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself n Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or obtaining a gun n Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

Protective Factors n Good problem-solving/coping abilities - Kids who are able to see a problem and figure out effective ways to manage it. n Strong connections - The stronger the connections kids have n Easy access to appropriate clinical intervention – n Connection to Spiritual self – religious beliefs or faith to their families, to their friends, and to people in the community. Counseling and therapy. community

What do I do? ? Do’s Ø react calmly let person talk about their feelings ØListen w/o interrupting ØOffer comfort and support ØMake sure they know how important they are to you and others ØUrge them to get help right away ØTell an adult immediately Don’ts Ø Don’t make comments that challenge the person’s intent. ØDon’t promise to keep this a secrete ØDon’t wait to tell an adult (parent, consoler, teacher, clergy) ØDo not attempt to argue someone out of suicide.

What if I see a Suicidal Threat on my Social Media? n Instagram – – Tap [i. OS] or [Android] above the post. Tap Report. Select It's Inappropriate > Self injury. Tap Report [Android only]. n Snap Chat – If you ever need to report something, just press and hold on whatever Snap you're viewing, and then tap the �� button to reach out to us. ** ALWAYS tell an adult and contact your local police department **

Getting Help n n n n Counseling - therapy (psychologist) - drug/medication treatments Parents/Family Members Clergy Teacher School Nurse Police Officers Social Worker Psychiatrist

How might mental illness play a role in suicide? How might a person’s environment play a role in suicide?

Always remember… An angry friend who is alive Is better than a dead friend.

5 Survival Tips (Bev Cobain, R. N. ) n Tip 1: Get some exercise: exercise releases mood n Tip 2: Have some Fun: laughter increases body n Tip 3: Talk about it: feeling need to be felt; holding elevating endorphins. functions like breathing rate, heart rate, and releases Dopamine. them in makes you feel worse. Tip 4: Stick with it: Stick with your treatment plan. n Tip 5: Feed your Spirit: Remember you are valued. n

YOU are always the 1 st line of defense against suicide!

Health Check-up Activity n In your small group prepare a short skit about one of the warning signs of teen suicide and the importance of always taking a threat seriously.