Signs & Signals
Name one sign that someone might be having mental health-related struggles?
Answers may vary: Skipping class, missing deadlines, failing assignments, not showing up to work, etc.
Asking someone directly if they are thinking about suicide will make them more likely to act on those thoughts.
What is False?
If someone seems stressed, sad, or withdrawn, what is one supportive way you can reach out?
Answers Vary:
“I’ve noticed you seem down, do you want to talk about it?”
"I see this is stressing you out, do we need to go find something distracting for a bit?"
Suicide prevention is a community effort. Name at least three ways your school, workplace, or community can support people, reduce stigma, and promote mental health.
Open-ended – participants can give their own ideas.
A friend, peer, or coworker may show they are struggling through words or actions. Name one way someone might hint they are feeling sad or stressed.
Answers may vary: Talking about feeling hopeless, isolating themselves, or expressing sadness or anxiety, etc.
True or False – Only people with a diagnosed mental health condition think about suicide.
What is False?
If you think someone might be suicidal, what is the safest approach?
A) Avoid the talking about subject
B) Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide
C) Wait and see if they cheer up
B) Ask directly.
What campus connections can you use if in need of mental health services?
University Health Center and the Counseling Center
If a person stops going to activities or hobbies they used to enjoy, what could this change mean about how they are feeling?
Answers may vary: Withdrawal or loss of interest could be a sign of depression, stress, emotional distress, etc.
True or False – People from different backgrounds, such as LGBTQ+, immigrants, or people of color, may face extra stress that increases suicide risk.
True.
Name one local or national resource someone can call immediately if they are having a mental health crisis.
Answers Vary: Valley-wide Health Systems, 988 Lifeline (call or text), The NC Peer Warmline (1-855-PEERS-NC), Trevor Project, The JED Foundation: I Want to Take Care of my Mental Health, etc.
What is the 3-digit number you can call or text for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline?
What is 988?
If someone posts online that they don’t want to be here anymore, what is the safest first step you can take to help them?
Answers may vary: Check in directly and connect them to help (counseling, 988, a trusted person, welfare check, etc).
What does it mean to be trauma-informed, and how can you use this approach to support someone who might be thinking about suicide?
Hint: Listen, Validate, and Connect.
Recognizing the impact of trauma on people.
Answers Vary: Responding with safety, empathy, respect, non-judgment, etc.
What is one thing you should avoid doing if someone tells you or hints that they are thinking about suicide?
Answers Vary:
Don't judge, shame, or minimize their feelings (e.g., saying “you’ll get over it”).
Don’t promise to keep it a secret if their safety is at risk.
Don’t leave them alone if they are in immediate danger.
Don’t ignore or dismiss their disclosure—always take it seriously.
BONUS
Yay
If someone is beating themselves up at a practice and says “I suck and can’t do anything right.” how should you respond to help them feel supported?
Answers may Vary. Ex. check in with them privately and connect them with a trusted adult or crisis support...
1 in 3 adolescents aged 12-17 have serious thoughts of suicide each year.
1 in 9 adolescents aged 12-17 have serious thoughts of suicide each year. 105,000 North Carolina adolescents have serious thoughts of suicide each year.
Progress in reducing suicides globally has been even faster for females than males, with age-adjusted rates dropping by 50% among females compared to 34% in males. What is something governments have done to make this happen?
Suicide is the blank leading cause of death in youth and young adults ages 10-24?
What is 2nd?