Stressors-Symptoms
Name two symptoms of depression.
Significant sadness, anger, irritability, changes in eating/ sleeping habits/ performance, withdrawal from friends/family/activities, self-harm, thinking about suicide. Symptoms lasting a long time.
Your friend, Jamie, has been acting strange for a while. One day, while the two of you hangout in her room, she is going through some of her possessions and asks if you want her favorite ring. She says that she really wants you to have it so you will always remember her. Is this a warning sign? Why?
Yes - She was showing behavior changes; Giving away prized possessions
What is the emergency number you should call if you or someone you know harms themselves outside of school?
911 for Emergency Help
Can we always tell if someone is having suicidal thoughts just by looking at them?
No
If you are having thoughts of hurting or killing yourself, what should you do?
Talk to a trusted adult, call the crisis hotline at 988
Name two things that teens stress about.
Relationships, school/performance, family, injury/illness, death in family, many changes experienced, feeling of discrimination or lack of acceptance.
You overheard someone in class talking about planning their funeral. She made the comment that she hopes everyone that was mean to her would learn a lesson with her death. Is this a warning sign? Why?
Yes. She is showing an intent to attempt suicide.
What is the number for the anonymous hotline that someone can use if they are having thoughts of suicide or know someone who is?
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988
Do your mental health and physical health affect each other? If so, how?
YES. Your physical health may impact the way you think and feel about yourself, and your mental health may impact your body (ex: loss of appetite and/or sleep).
Name 3 healthy coping skills that can help manage stress.
Exercise, spending time with loved ones, eating healthy, consistent sleep, keeping a journal, thinking of things you are grateful for, communicating feelings, exploring hobbies/activities, listening to music, asking for help when you need it.
Name a risk factor that might make someone more likely to attempt suicide.
Prior suicide attempts; suicide in the family; current or prior mental health issues; history of substance use, misuse and/ abuse
John noticed that his friend James has been sad and acting differently. John asked James if he wanted to talk, told him he was worried about him, and asked what's going on. James told John that he is worried and not himself at the moment. John asked if James was feeling suicidal, and James said "No, I'm good but I'm trying to process things going on in his life right now." John let James know that he is here if he needs to talk. Do you think John should have pushed James to talk with a trusted adult?
No, he asked and was told no. Instead, John should follow up with James over the next few days to see how he is doing and if he is still okay or needs help.
Name 3 confidential counseling resources or trusted adults at your school.
Wellness Suite/School Social Worker
School Counselor
Teacher
Administration
If you think a friend, peer, or family member may be suicidal, what should you do to show you care about them?
Acknowledge their feelings, express care and concern, ask if they are having thoughts of suicide, and tell a trusted adult.
Does talking about suicidal thoughts and suicide prevention increase feelings of suicide?
No. Studies have shown that it helps suicidal individuals feel like they are not alone and gives them a safe space to talk about their feelings.
Name 3 warning signs of suicidal ideation.
Making indirect or direct threats; a drop in grades; quitting sports or other hobbies they like; withdrawal from family and friends; behavior changes, feelings of not caring about anything or anyone; giving away prized possessions
A classmate of yours is coming to school late, smells like he hasn't been showering, and is wearing the same clothing he wore earlier in the week. Could this be a warning sign?
Yes, changes to routine and hygiene can be warning signs.
What are the TEXT lines you can contact in a crisis?
Crisis Textline: 741741
Trevor Project: 678-678
Is it okay to ask someone directly if they are suicidal?
Yes. If you are worried about someone it is okay to ask. Just make sure you ask them privately and not in front of a large group of people.
How can you use social media in a positive manner that lifts people up?
Encourage others, instead of tearing them down with hate comments.
Stay connected to friends and family.
Share hobbies/interests.
Find and share resources.
What is the difference between depression and general feelings of being sad or down?
Depression is a feeling of sadness and loss of interest that affects how you feel for long periods of time and can be treated with medication.
General feelings of being sad will not last for long but have the same symptoms as depression
Your best friend recently stopped hanging out with you. They have been very busy trying to finish a paper for English class. They made a passing comment that if they get a bad grade, they don't know what they'll do. They have also been taking longer than usual to respond to texts, if they respond at all. Is this a warning sign?
No, they are just busy getting a paper done.
What are some resources outside of school that you can use if you need help with your mental health?
Birmingham Crisis Center
Magic City Acceptance Center
Psychiatric Intake Response Center
Other outpatient therapeutic resources
Where does suicide fall on the list of leading causes of death for teenagers?
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for teenagers.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, what are the 5 steps you should take if you think someone is talking about or planning to commit suicide?
1. Ask them directly if they are considering suicide.
2. Show you care....talk to them without judgement.
3. Help keep them safe (monitor them closely).
4. Help them connect with a trusted adult.
5. Follow up with them.