SUICIDE
Are people still afraid to talk about suicide?
Yes! They may not want to talk about it because they may be uneducated in the topic. Another reason may be because it is something that may have been frowned upon in their communities and people do not like to mention it.
Suicide is a killer - can it be prevented? If so, how?
Yes! Suicide can be prevented. Some ways of prevention are: taking Journey to Wellness, Talking to someone if you are feeling suicidal, Being there for someone who you think may be suicidal, Being positive and optimistic, Self Care techniques, If you think someone is suicidal ask the straight out "Are you thinking of suicide?"
When a person says that they are going to kill themselves, its just talk and they don't really mean it?
MYTH. This is a myth because any talk of suicide should always be taken seriously whether or not they actually mean it. Ask the person to seriously let you know whether they are or not and assure them that you are not going to judge them and that you want to help them. If they assure you and you are positively certain that they are not thinking of suicide let them know how serious suicide is and that it is not something to joke about. Let them know that there are lots of people out there that can help if they ever need to talk.
What is Self Esteem?
Self esteem is how we feel about ourselves. How we believe other see us whether its positive or negative.
What are some harmful things a depressed/sad person may do to themselves?
Run away from home, fight with friends, family, teachers, etc., drink &/or use drugs, get involved in dangerous activities, cut &/or burn themselves (self inflicted injuries), etc.
Is suicide high in Aboriginal communities?
Yes! Suicide has reached epidemic levels among the Aboriginal population. Suicide rates are 5-7 times higher for First Nations youth than non-First Nations youth. Suicide rates among Inuit youth are among the highest in the world, at 11 times the national average.
Someone who has tried to commit suicide will not try it again?
Myth. People who tried to commit suicide in the past are more likely to try it again.
What are three positive qualities about yourself?
There will be many different answers for this. For a large team get at least 3 of the team members to each name three positive qualities about themselves.
Who are three people you can go to when you need help?
Family, Friends, Teachers, Co-Workers, Youth Workers, etc.
DAILY DOUBLE: If a person is talking to you about suicide and tells you they just want to be left alone for a while and maybe even disappear, should you leave them alone?
No! (Then ask what you should do) You should talk to them more about what it is that is bothering them. Ask them to talk to an adult or parent or someone who may be able to get them professional help. You should make sure that they are safe before leaving them.
Only poor people commit suicide?
FACT. Anyone can commit suicide.
Low self esteem may prevent someone to participate in what kind of activities?
Exercise, smiling, keeping up with personal hygiene, hanging out with friends, making new friends, participating in school sports or activities, etc.
Do most suicidal people have warning signs?
Yes! (Get youth to also name off some warning signs)
Name four healthy things we can do for ourselves (self care), when we are feeling down?
Exercise, Hang out with friends/family that make you feel good, Journal, Talk to someone you can trust, sing, laugh, cry, etc.
A spiritual person CAN commit suicide?
FACT. Anyone can commit suicide.
How can depression caused by low self esteem lead to suicide?
A person may not feel worthy, always feel sad, loss of interest in friends, activities, school, food, hobbies, etc.
What are 5 reasons a young person might attempt suicide?
Low self esteem, Major/Significant loss, Break up, Major life changes, Blame themselves for everything, etc.
What are the four steps to problem solving as learned in session #2?
2)
3)
4)
Talking about suicide may put the idea of committing suicide head or give permission for someone to commit suicide? (ex: taking J2W and talking about suicide once a week or asking someone if they are suicidal).
MYTH. Talking calmly about suicide without judging or showing fear can bring relief to someone.
Name at least 5 ways to develop a healthy body image/healthy self esteem?
Healthy eating, exercise, self care, journaling, personal hygiene, lots of sleep, etc. (Get group member to name a few each).