Signs & Symptoms
What are some signs/symptoms that someone may be thinking about suicide?
Overwhelming feeling of sadness and hopelessness; Fatigue;
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities;
Change in eating habits;
Trouble concentrating,
Sudden drop of hobbies,
Begin cutting classes
Giving away possessions
People who help students who are struggling?
Teachers
Friends
Counselors
Parents
Coaches
Who are some people at school you could go to if you or someone needs help with depression or suicidal thoughts?
Teachers
Principal & Office Staff
School Counselors
Coaches
Women complete suicide more often than men
Myth. Men are more likely to complete suicide, but women have more suicide attempts.
Name 3 feelings
Happy, Mad, Ashamed, Joyful, Sad, Exuberant, Peaceful, etc
What is the difference between sadness and depression?
Sadness - common for everyone, can still go about daily life, temporary feeling that can go away on it's own
Depression - lasts for two weeks or longer, serious health condition that affects the mind and body, important to get treatment.
If you are unsure of whether a friend is suicidal, what should you do?
Ask them
* asking them acknowledges their feelings and shows you care. It does not make them want to commit suicide even more.
Who are some people outside of school you could go to if you or someone needs help with depression or suicidal thoughts?
Parent/Guardian
Extended Family - Grandparent, Aunt/Uncle
Clergy
Professional - Doctor, Therapist
Talking or asking a person about suicide will put the thought into their head
Myth. Asking a person if they are thinking about suicide shows a person you care and notice that they are struggling.
Name Feelings that are signs of suicide?
Worthless, Hopeless, helpless, etc.
True or False. Giving away prized possessions is a warning sign for someone who might be having thoughts of suicide.
True. If someone is trying to put personal affairs in order and/or giving away items that have great value to them, take this a sign that you need to ask follow up questions.
If your friend makes suicidal comments and makes you promise not to tell anyone, what should you do?
Do not keep it a secret and tell someone. Even if your friend is mad at you temporarily, it may save his/her life.
Things you can do to relieve stress?
Eat healthy foods
Get plenty of sleep
Keep a journal
Go outside & walk
Use coping skills
Suicide is the leading cause of death for ages 18-29
Things that can make you cry?
Cutting onions
A sad movie
Loss of a loved one
A stressful day
Things someone who is thinking about suicide might say
Nobody understands/cares
I feel like a burden
I don't care about anything anymore
It doesn't matter anymore
What are some ways to use social media positively?
Write positive things to brighten someone's day
Connect with friends and family
Share your goals and successes and celebrate others accomplishments
Follow and share inspiring accounts
How to help someone who is depressed or suicidal
Taking your friend seriously
Telling an adult
Being willing to listen
Roughly 132 people die by suicide everyday in the US.
Fact.
What is a coping skill? and give 3 examples.
A coping skill helps people deal with unpleasant feelings and hard times.
Exercise
Listen to music
Write down things you are grateful for
talk to family, friends, teachers etc.
Name 3 Warning signs of suicide
withdrawing from family and friends
changes in sleep patterns
Being irritable most of the time
feelings of hopelessness
Saying things like "I wish I could go to sleep and not wake up"
Not caring about school
When talking to a suicidal person, DON'T....
argue with them
act shocked
promise confidentiality
offer ways to fix their problem
blame yourself
What is the crisis text line number?
988
Text Teen2Teen to 839863
What should you do if you’re worried about a friend, but they tell you nothing’s wrong?
It’s important to look out for warning signs and trust your instincts.
If you are worried, tell a trusted adult about what you’ve noticed.
True or False: It's normal for teens to be "moody" and are only seeking attention when they make suicidal comments.
False - Teens can suffer from mental illness such as depression and anxiety. We take all comments and threats of suicide seriously.