Suicide Prevention

1
Suicide Prevention

• Becoming Informed

2
Facts about Suicide

• Over 32,000 people in the United States kill
  themselves every year.
• Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among
  15-34 year olds.
• Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death among
  10-14 year olds.
• A person commits suicide about every 15 minutes
  in the United States but an attempt is made about
  once a minute.

3
A Suicidal Act is

• Well thought out
• Almost always preceded by warning signals
• More often harmful than fatal
• A final cry for help
• A potential option for anyone
• Preventable

4
Teenagers at high risk for suicide

• Those who have made previous suicide attempts.
• Those who abuse drug and/or alcohol.
• Those who may be gay.
• Those who may copy others who have committed
  suicide.
• Those who suffer from clinical depression.

5
Risk factors

• Changes in relationships (break up with a
  boyfriend/girlfriend)
• Divorce of parents
• Death of a loved one
• Change in schools, financial situation, home life
  (move to new area, parent just remarried)
• Abuse

6
Warning signs

• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Showing signs of sadness, hopelessness,
  irritability
• Changes in appetite, weight, behavior, activity
  level, or sleep patterns
• Loss of energy
• Giving away prized possessions

7
More Warning signs

• Making negative comments about self
• Recurring suicidal thoughts or fantasies
• Sudden change from depression to being peaceful
• Talking, writing or hinting about suicide

8
Even more warning signs

• Declining performance in school, work, and other
  activities
• Neglect in personal welfare-deteriorating
  physical appearance
• Social isolation-not hanging out with friends or
  changing types of friends

9
What can I do to help someone who maybe suicidal?

• Take it seriously-3/4 of all suicides give some
  warning of their intentions to a friend or family
  member.
• Be willing to listen-Ask what is the matter and
  persist until you get an answer.
• Be honest-If what your friend says scares you,
  tell him or her.

10
What else could I do?

• Tell your friend you care about them.
• Be open-minded and dont judge them-be as
  supportive as possible.
• Avoid giving advice-try to remember that everyone
  is different and just because something works for
  you doesnt mean it will work for them.
• Find help-tell a parent, teacher, counselor or
  another adult.

11
What NOT to do

• Dont be sworn to secrecy.
• Never leave a suicidal person alone.
• Do not appear shocked or alarmed by what the
  person tells you.
• Do not get into a debate on the morals of
  suicide. (This may increase a persons feeling
  of guilt and sadness.)
• Do not point out that other people have worse
  troubles.

12
Where could I get help?

• Suicide prevention hotline [phone]
  
• Teen Hotline [phone]
• Pickerington Area Counseling 614-834-1919
• New Horizons 740-687-0835