Suicide Facts
If you ask a person about his or her suicidal intentions, you will encourage the person to kill themselves.
FACT OR FICTION
Fiction: The opposite is true. Asking someone directly about their suicidal feelings will often lower their anxiety level and act as a deterrent. Your openness and concern in asking about suicide will allow the person experiencing pain to talk about his/her problems. This may allow the personal with suicidal thoughts to feel less lonely or isolated, and perhaps a bit relieved.
You notice that your friend Jessica has seemed detached and disengaged during the past few months. She rarely comes to book club, and when she does, she doesn’t say much. You’re concerned about her. You ask her when you’re alone if she’s okay and she says she’s been really depressed lately. What do you say or do?
Suggestions:
“I’m so sorry. I’ve noticed that you haven’t been your usual self.”
“Have you talked to your doctor lately about how you have been feeling? Are you seeing someone?”
“I care about you and I am concerned. I will do whatever I can to help.”
Sometimes being there for a person means letting them decide when they are ready to talk or get help. Let Jessica know that you will be there for her when she is ready.
Person 1 – I have to go to the doctor today.
Person 2 – Just a checkup?
Person 1 – No. Not sure if you knew, but I’ve got depression.
Complete the conversation. How would you respond:
I’m sorry to hear that. Can I help?
I did not know that I am sorry. What can I do?
*make sure they said something in the lines of helping them out or being sorry, and being there for them.
What does stigma mean?
Stigma is when someone views you in a negative way because you have a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that's thought to be, or actually is, a disadvantage (a negative stereotype). Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common.
This is a illness where a person is experiencing feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about something in the near future with an uncertain outcome.
Anxiety
A person who attempts suicide will always be “suicidal.”
Fact or Fiction
Fiction: Most people who are at risk feel suicidal for only a brief period in their lives. With proper assistance and support, the person will probably never be suicidal again.
Your best friend from college comes over and says that he hasn’t been feeling well lately. He says that he has been diagnosed with anxiety and sometimes it feels like his heart is pounding so hard it feels like he is having a heart attack. In pairs, role play this situation. Have one person tell the other how they are feeling, and open up about their fears. Think about challenging or uncomfortable this conversation can be. How can you, as a friend, make this conversation easier?
Suggestions:
Listen, don’t try to change the subject.
Don’t judge, laugh or dismiss the conversation.
Keep your friend talking, don’t rush. It was very hard for him to have this conversation with you.
Offer to take him to a doctor or a mental health professional.
Ask him what helps him feel better. If it is something that you can do with him or help him with, offer to do so.
Next time you see them, ask them how he is doing. Don’t be afraid to follow up with him and see how he is doing.
Person 1 - Totally having an ADD moment.
Person 2 – Do you really have ADD?
Person 1 – Yea, I was diagnosed as a kid.
Complete the conversation. How would you respond:
I didn’t know, how bad is it? (Nice response!They should say something like this)
NOT CORRECT: saying something like I have problems paying attention to. (Well…ADD is a little more serious than that.)
What are some stigmas regarding mental illnesses/disorders?
Children don't experience mental health problems.
People with mental health problems are violent and unpredictable.
People with mental health needs, even those who are managing their mental illness, cannot tolerate the stress of holding down a job.
Personality weakness or character flaws cause mental health problems. People with mental health problems can snap out of it if they try hard enough.
Prevention doesn't work. It is impossible to prevent mental illnesses.
This is a type of anxiety disorder where a person feels trapped and has a fear of something that will cause a pattern of repeated behavior.
OCD. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Suicide happens without warning.
Fiction: studies reveal that a person who is suicidal generally give many clues and warnings regarding their suicidal intentions. Alertness to these cries for help may prevent suicidal behavior.
An acquaintance shares with you that they have a mental illness. You don’t know them very well, but are concerned. What can you say and do? Below are some general suggestions that you can say or do for anyone.
What you can say
Thanks for opening up to me. Is there anything I can do to help?
“Relapse is a part of recovery, not the end of it.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. It must be tough”
“I’m here for you when you need me.”
“I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”
“Can I drive you to an appointment?”
What you can do
Offer your support. Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder can make people feel isolated and alone. Offer to be there for them.
Listen. Many people with mental illnesses feel like they don’t have anyone to talk to. Open the lines of communication and try to make them feel comfortable.
Communicate effectively. Be understanding and let them know you care. Don’t judge, laugh, get angry or dismiss the conversation. Don’t pretend there isn’t a problem, but don’t try to solve it either.
Offer practical support. Cook dinner, arrange to go for a walk, make a date to see a movie or offer to run errands. Don’t feel slighted if they don’t take you up on your offer. Mental illnesses can be debilitating and people often feel exhausted. If you make an effort and they don’t respond, don’t give up. Keep letting them know you care.
Don’t criticize or blame. Realize that mental illnesses are real illnesses. You wouldn’t criticize a heart patient, telling them to “stop having heart attacks! You could stop if you would just try harder!”
Be patient. People with mental illnesses may have more bad days then good days. Don’t give up on them.
Person 1 – How are you?
Person 2 – Eh. Not great. My anxiety is acting up again.
Complete the conversation. How would you respond:
Really? What’s going on? (Perfect. Questions are great.) Say something that is asking them to talk more about it.
We’ve all been there. (Sorry. We have not all been there. If you said this you are WRONG!)
How can stigmas affect those with mental illnesses?
Stigma and discrimination can also worsen someone's mental health problems, and delay or impede their getting help and treatment, and their recovery. Social isolation, poor housing, unemployment and poverty are all linked to mental ill health. So stigma and discrimination can trap people in a cycle of illness.
What is bipolar?
it is a mental health condition where there are episodes of depression, mania, and other moods in between.
Once a person is seriously considering suicide, there is nothing you can do.
FACT OR FICTION
Fiction: Most suicide crises are time-limited and based on unclear thinking. Persons attempting suicide are generally looking for a solution or an escape. They generally do not see any others solutions.
Your best friend from college comes over and says that he hasn’t been feeling well lately. He says that he has been diagnosed with anxiety and sometimes it feels like his heart is pounding so hard it feels like he is having a heart attack.
Suggestions:
Listen, don’t try to change the subject.
Don’t judge, laugh or dismiss the conversation.
Keep your friend talking, don’t rush. It was very hard for him to have this conversation with you.
Offer to take him to a doctor or a mental health professional.
Ask him what helps him feel better. If it is something that you can do with him or help him with, offer
to do so.
Next time you see them, ask them how he is doing. Don’t be afraid to follow up with him and see how
he is doing.
Person 1 – Aaarrrrgggghhh.
Person 2 – ?
Person 1 – I’m just feeling really anxious.
Person 2 – On, you’re fine.
Person 1 – No, I mean….it’s bad.
Complete the conversation. How would you respond?
Correct:
Have you seen someone about it?
If you haven't seen someone about it maybe I can help you find someone to get help.
DO NOT SAY: You’re Ok. Deep breath. (This doesn’t help as much as you think.)
The list below are myths (stigmas) of mental illnesses. Pick too and explain why they are.
1. Children don't experience mental health problems.
2. People with mental health problems are violent and unpredictable.
3. People with mental health needs, even those who are managing their mental illness, cannot tolerate the stress of holding down a job.
4. Personality weakness or character flaws cause mental health problems. People with mental health problems can snap out of it if they try hard enough.
5. Prevention doesn't work. It is impossible to prevent mental illnesses.
Myth: Mental health problems don't affect me.
Fact: Mental health problems are actually very common. In 2014, about:
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It accounts for the loss of more than 41,000 American lives each year, more than double the number of lives lost to homicide. Learn more about mental health problems.
Myth: Children don't experience mental health problems.
Fact: Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns. These mental health problems are often clinically diagnosable, and can be a product of the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors.
Half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns 14 years old, and three quarters of mental health disorders begin before age 24.
Unfortunately, less than 20% of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental health problems receive the treatment they need. Early mental health support can help a child before problems interfere with other developmental needs.
Myth: People with mental health problems are violent and unpredictable.
Fact: The vast majority of people with mental health problems are no more likely to be violent than anyone else. Most people with mental illness are not violent and only 3%–5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness. In fact, people with severe mental illnesses are over 10 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population. You probably know someone with a mental health problem and don't even realize it, because many people with mental health problems are highly active and productive members of our communities.
Myth: People with mental health needs, even those who are managing their mental illness, cannot tolerate the stress of holding down a job.
Fact: People with mental health problems are just as productive as other employees. Employers who hire people with mental health problems report good attendance and punctuality as well as motivation, good work, and job tenure on par with or greater than other employees.
When employees with mental health problems receive effective treatment, it can result in:
Myth: Personality weakness or character flaws cause mental health problems. People with mental health problems can snap out of it if they try hard enough.
Fact: Mental health problems have nothing to do with being lazy or weak and many people need help to get better. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:
People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely.
Helping Individuals with Mental Health Problems
Myth: There is no hope for people with mental health problems. Once a friend or family member develops mental health problems, he or she will never recover.
Fact: Studies show that people with mental health problems get better and many recover completely. Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities. There are more treatments, services, and community support systems than ever before, and they work.
Myth: Therapy and self-help are a waste of time. Why bother when you can just take a pill?
Fact: Treatment for mental health problems varies depending on the individual and could include medication, therapy, or both. Many individuals work with a support system during the healing and recovery process.
Myth: I can't do anything for a person with a mental health problem.
Fact: Friends and loved ones can make a big difference. Only 44% of adults with diagnosable mental health problems and less than 20% of children and adolescents receive needed treatment. Friends and family can be important influences to help someone get the treatment and services they need by:
Myth: Prevention doesn't work. It is impossible to prevent mental illnesses.
Fact: Prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders focuses on addressing known risk factors such as exposure to trauma that can affect the chances that children, youth, and young adults will develop mental health problems.
What is dysthymia?
This has less severe, long-term chronic symptoms that can resemble major depression, but not fully disabling but can affect functioning.
Once an individual is suicidal, he or she will always remain suicidal.
FACT OR FICTION. To get the 500 points you need to also answer if people are trying to attempt suicide what are they attempting to control?
Fiction: Suicide is often short-term and situation-specific. Studies have shown that approximately 54% of individuals who have died by suicide did not have a diagnosable mental health disorder. And for those with mental illness, the proper treatment can help to reduce symptoms.
The act of suicide is often an attempt to control deep, painful emotions and thoughts an individual is experiencing. Once these thoughts dissipate, so will the suicidal ideation. While suicidal thoughts can return, they are not permanent. An individual with suicidal thoughts and attempts can live a long, successful life.
Can you name at least 1 online resource for mental health and 1 other resource to help a friend or person in need? Doctor and counselor do not count.
Here are some helpful Online Resources (on canvas)
http://myhealthmn.org/#
https://mentalhealthmn.org/
https://www.nami.org/
http://www.emilyprogram.com/
https://save.org/
www.mentalhealth.org
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml
http://teenmentalhealth.org/
https://crisistrends.org
988
Suicide Hotline
Crisis Text Line
Person 1 – I’m feeling really down lately.
Person 2 – What’s going on?
Person 1 – Maybe it’s the news. But everything is so depressing.
Complete the conversation. How would you respond:
How can I help you?
I will be here to help if you need me to do anything.
something in the lines of letting them know you are there to help if they ask.
List 3 ways to reduce or fight against mental health stigmas?
Talk Openly About Mental Health
“I fight stigma by talking about what it is like to have bipolar disorder and PTSD on Facebook. Even if this helps just one person, it is worth it for me.” – Angela Christie Roach Taylor
Educate Yourself And Others
“I take every opportunity to educate people and share my personal story and struggles with mental illness. It doesn't matter where I am, if I over-hear a conversation or a rude remark being made about mental illness, or anything regarding a similar subject, I always try to use that as a learning opportunity and gently intervene and kindly express how this makes me feel, and how we need to stop this because it only adds to the stigma.” – Sara Bean
Be Conscious Of Language
“I fight stigma by reminding people that their language matters. It is so easy to refrain from using mental health conditions as adjectives and in my experience, most people are willing to replace their usage of it with something else if I explain why their language is problematic.” – Helmi Henkin
Encourage Equality Between Physical And Mental Illness
“I find that when people understand the true facts of what a mental illness is, being a disease, they think twice about making comments. I also remind them that they wouldn't make fun of someone with diabetes, heart disease or cancer.” – Megan Dotson
Show Compassion For Those With Mental Illness
“I offer free hugs to people living outdoors, and sit right there and talk with them about their lives. I do this in public, and model compassion for others. Since so many of our homeless population are also struggling with mental illness, the simple act of showing affection can make their day but also remind passersby of something so easily forgotten: the humanity of those who are suffering.” – Rachel Wagner
Choose Empowerment Over Shame
“I fight stigma by choosing to live an empowered life. To me, that means owning my life and my story and refusing to allow others to dictate how I view myself or how I feel about myself.” – Val Fletcher
Be Honest About Treatment
“I fight stigma by saying that I see a therapist and a psychiatrist. Why can people say they have an appointment with their primary care doctor without fear of being judged, but this lack of fear does not apply when it comes to mental health professionals?” – Ysabel Garcia
Let The Media Know When They’re Being Stigmatizing
“If I watch a program on TV that has any negative comments, story lines or characters with a mental illness, I write to the broadcasting company and to the program itself. If Facebook has any stories where people make ignorant comments about mental health, then I write back and fill them in on my son’s journey with schizoaffective disorder.” – Kathy Smith
Don’t Harbor Self-Stigma
“I fight stigma by not having stigma for myself—not hiding from this world in shame, but being a productive member of society. I volunteer at church, have friends, and I’m a peer mentor and a mom. I take my treatment seriously. I'm purpose driven and want to show others they can live a meaningful life even while battling [mental illness].” – Jamie Brown
What is the most common mental illness and how many million people does it affect? (hint-between 10-60 million)
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year.