Suicide and Depression

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Suicide and Depression
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WARNING SIGNSMaking Suicide Threats

• Direct
• By next Monday Ill be dead
• Indirect
• I wish I were dead
• I hate everyone and everything

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Experiencing a significant loss

• Loss of someone they love
• Breaking up with a boyfriend/girlfriend
• Loss of identity
• Athlete who gets injured and can no longer
  participate in sports.

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Sudden Changes in Behavior

• Food
• Good eater becomes picky
• Sleep
• Suicidal and depressed teens sleep much more
• School
• Grade Drop
• Appearance
• Stop caring about what they look like
• Activities
• Loose interest in things they used to care about
• Withdrawal
• Pull away from those they are closest with

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Taking risks or becomes self destructive

• Act like they are trying to hurt themselves
• Unable to feel pain

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Preoccupation with death

• Talk about death
• Seem to have no feelings when talking about death

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Tying up loose ends

• Writing letters to people they have no talked to
  in a long time.
• Cleaning out room

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Family problems

• Divorce
• Abuse
• Pregnancy
• Fights

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Loss of self-esteem

• I cant do anything right
• I do not deserve to live

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Becoming aggressive or rebellious

• Angry at family and friends
• Unordinary rebellious

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Giving away prized possessions

• Quickly spending money (unusual)
• Give friends and family items that mean a great
  deal to them.

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What to do to HELP

• Show you CareOften, suicidal thinking comes from
  a wish to end deep psychological pain. Death
  seems like the only way out. But it isn't.
• Let the person know you really care. Talk about
• your feelings and ask about his or hers. Listen
• carefully to what they have to say.
• I'm worried about you, about how you feel.
• You mean a lot to me. I want to help.
• I'm here, if you need someone to talk to.
• OFFER COMFORT AND SUPPORT

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• Ask the QuestionDon't hesitate to raise the
  subject. Talking with people about suicide won't
  put the idea in their heads. Chances are, if
  you've observed any of the warning signs, they're
  already thinking about it. Be direct in a caring,
  non-confrontational way. Get the conversation
  started.
• Are you thinking about suicide?
• Do you really want to die?
• Do you want your problems to go away?
• DO NOT CHALLENGE

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• Get HelpNever keep talk of suicide a secret,
  even if they ask you to. Its better to risk a
  friendship than a life. Do not try to handle the
  situation on your own. You can be the most help
  by referring your friend to someone with
  professional skills to provide the help that he
  or she needs, while you continue to offer
  support.
• I know where we can get some help.
• Let's talk to someone who can help...let's call
  the crisis line, now.
• I can go with you to get some help.
• DO NOT CARRY THE BURDEN

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Resources for HELP

• School counselor, teacher or coach
• Crisis telephone hotline local or 1-800-273-TALK
  (8255)
• www.yspp.com
• Private therapist or counselor
• Mental health agency
• Hospital emergency room
• Parents

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Helping Yourself

• Positive Affirmation and Positive Self-Talk
• Mentorspeople you can really talk to
• Choose friends that build you up
• Exercise
• Eat Healthy