Suicide Prevention

1. Suicide Prevention Brought to you by: North Kitsap Lifesavers

2. True or False? • Two Youth in Washington state complete suicide each week. • Mentioning Suicide will “plant the seed” or “cause” people to consider suicide. • A person considering suicide is intent on completing suicide. • One out of Five youth seriously consider suicide. • Everyone has potential for suicidal thoughts.

3. Signs and Symptoms • Irritability • Anxiety • Isolation • Physical Complaints • Poor performance • Recent Loss • Talking/thinking about “no hope” or death

4. Possible Impacts of Depression • School or Work Effects • Missing class • Poor performance • Physical Effects • Weight loss • Weight Gain • Visible scars from self inflicted wounds • Personal Effects • Loss of friends • Deeper into depression

5. Causes of Suicidal Behavior • Relationships • Break up with girlfriend/ boyfriend • Pregnancy • Bullying • Physical Abuse • Individual • Depression, hopelessness, anxiety • Drugs and/or alcohol use • School • Failing grades • Suspension • School pressures • Home • Family conflicts/fights • Death/ Divorce • Abuse

6. Self Harm • Cutting • Hitting • Scratching • Burning • Eating Disorders • Mental Harm

7. Coping Strategies • Listening to music • Writing • Talking to friends • Squeezing ice cubes • Working out • Drawing • Animals • Sitting on hands • Stress ball • Rubber bands • Worry stones

8. You or a Friend?

9. Progression

10. The Cycle to Break • Stress/ dramatic event(s) • Depression • Suicidal Thoughts • Suicide Attempts • Death

11. What NOT To Do & What Is NOT Helpful Never act shocked • “Really?! I would never expect you to feel that way.” • Never suggest negative alternatives • “Lets go party this weekend and you will forget all about it.” • Never deal with these feelings on your own • “If I care enough they will begin to feel better…” • “ I will just tough it out and things will begin to improve.” • Ignoring or dismissing the issue • “Oh, lets talk about something else.” • You’ll meet another girl and forget about this one, you’re a great guy.” • Acting shocked or embarrassed • “You aren’t REALLY thinking of suicide, are you?” • Challenging or debating • “So go ahead; see if things really do get better.” • “Don’t you know it is wrong to kill yourself?”

12. Legal Consequences Wa. Rev. Code § 9A.36.060 Initiative 1000, approved10/4/08 • A person is guilty ofpromoting a suicide attempt when he knowingly causes or aids another person to attempt suicide. Promoting a suicide attempt is a class C felony.

13. What IS Helpful? • Show You Care—Listen carefully “I’m concerned about you….About how you feel.” • Ask the question while showing you care! “Are you thinking about suicide?”

14. Get Help ASK THE QUESTION Be direct in a caring, non-confrontational way. • “Are you thinking about suicide?” GET HELP Do not leave him/her alone *”I know where we can get some help.” *”I can go with you to where we can get some help.” *”You’re not alone. Let me help you.”

15. Resources for Help • School Counselor • Crisis telephone hot-line • Physicians/health care providers • Mental health specialist • Teachers/Coaches and/or Parents • Clergy/Youth Leaders

16. Who to call • (360) 479-3033 (local) • 800-843-4793 (Toll Free if you are outside the local calling area) • 1-800 SUICIDE (national crisis line) • 1-800-273-TALK (national crisis line)