Show:
Know the signs
Myth vs. Fact
What's the risk?
Coping 101
ACT
100

Attempted or completed suicides happen without warning. True or false?

Almost everyone who dies by suicide has given some warning signs.

100
Teens don’t suffer from “real depression.”
MYTH! Depression can affect people of any age, race, or background and can begin in childhood. It is not a weakness. It is a serious medical illness that requires treatment.
100

What is the definition of "risk factors"?

Risk factors are things that increase the chance that a person may attempt suicide. Some we can change, others we cannot. We are most concerned when someone has multiple risk factors at the same time.

100

The most popular coping skills are not always the best ones to use T/F?

TRUE! This can be a dangerous myth to believe because it leads people to engage in activities that are "supposed" to relieve stress even though those strategies may not be effective strategies for their unique lifestyle and personality. There is no one-size-fits-all stress management program.

100

Shawn is talking to Marcus about the upcoming weekend. They usually make plans to play basketball on Saturdays, but Marcus hasn’t wanted to play for the last few weeks. Shawn asks him about it, but he becomes annoyed and angry and tells him to back off. Shawn thinks it is strange considering Marcus is typically energetic, happy, and always up for playing basketball. ACT? Warning Signs? Risk Factors?

*RISK FACTORS: Being male. *WARNING SIGNS: Significant decrease in usual activities, Change in mood – angry, annoyed. *ACT: A— “I miss playing basketball with you. You don’t seem like yourself.” C— “I care about you. What can I do to help?” T — “It sounds like you’re dealing with a lot. Have you talked about it with your dad?”

200

What are some signs of depression that might be overlooked?

“Typical” mood swings, underperformance at school/activities, attendance concerns, social difficulties, and other illnesses

200
Talking about suicide or asking someone if they feel suicidal will encourage suicide attempts.
MYTH! Bringing up the subject of suicide and openly talking about it is one of the most helpful things you can do. Talking about suicide provides the opportunity for communication. Fears that are shared are more likely to diminish.
200

Why is substance use a serious risk factor for suicide?

Alcohol can exacerbate person’s depressive symptoms. Substances can increase the chance someone with suicidal thoughts will act on them by increasing disinhibition and impulsivity. Substance use can also lead to an increase in aggression and negative affectivity, decrease use of healthy coping strategies, and negatively impact decision-making abilities.

200
What are 3 everyday strategies you can use to cope?
Exercise, deep breathing, go for a walk, listening to music, reading, talk to others that can support you, writing, watch funny videos/movies, take a bath/shower, read, meditate, play a sport, dance, etc.
200
Kris calls Alex to see if Alex is still coming to her birthday party on Friday night. Alex has known about it for months and was initially excited. However, since her parents split up a few months ago, Alex has been crying out of the blue at school and during gym, her favorite class. She has also been quiet and withdrawn around friends. Kris has a feeling that Alex will not come to the party, but Kris is unsure how to show her concern. WARNING SIGNS? RISK FACTORS? ACT?
*RISK FACTORS: Parents split up *WARNING SIGNS: Change in mood that has lasted months, Uncontrollable crying, Withdrawing from friends *ACT: A–“You seem really sad since your parents split. What can I do to help?” C–“What you’re going through is really stressful. I am here for you.” T– “Let’s talk with the counselor at school. She’s helped a lot of other people with stuff like this.”
300

What is the definition of "warning signs"

A warning sign is an indication that an individual may be experiencing depression or thoughts of suicide

300
Sudden improvement in emotions following a suicidal crisis or depressive period signifies that the suicide risk is over.
MYTH! The opposite may be true. In the three months following an attempt, a young person is at most risk of completing suicide. The apparent lifting of the problems could mean the person has made a firm decision to commit suicide and feels better because of this decision.
300

Name one of the three strongest risk factors for suicide in youth.

Depression, alcohol and drug use, and previous suicide attempts (NAMI, 2003)

300

True or false- Sometimes coping strategies that are initially effective lose their effectiveness over time. 

True. This is perfectly normal. If a coping strategy stops working, this is a reminder to develop some more options.

300
Ever since Olivia and her girlfriend broke up, her girlfriend’s friends have been sending harassing texts. Olivia told them to stop, but that seemed to make it worse. Rumors have started around school and Olivia’s friend Devon overhears Olivia say, “I guess I deserve it anyway. I was never good enough for her.” Devon is concerned about Olivia because it’s unlike her to be so negative. WARNING SIGNS? RISK FACTORS? ACT?
*RISK FACTORS: LGBTQ, Being harassed/bullied, Breakup. *WARNING SIGNS: Very negative self talk. *ACT: A–“I’ve noticed you’ve been pretty down on yourself.” C–“Those rumors are messed up. I’m sorry you have to deal with that. I care about you and you deserve better.” T–“Maybe we could talk to my mom about it and see how we can get you some help.”
400

Give an example of a warning sign of depression or suicidal thoughts.

Wanting to be alone all of the time, decreased interest in usual activities, giving away important belongings, risky or reckless behavior, self-injury, increased substance use

400
If a person is determined to kill themselves, there are things that can be done to stop them.
FACT! Most suicidal people do not want to die – they want the pain, suffering, and hopelessness to end. They don’t see a way out of how they are feeling. They need more ways to cope with their pain. They don’t know how to reach out for help or don’t think it will help.
400

What is the definition of a "triggering event" and give 2 examples.

DEFINITION: Event that triggers an individual from thinking about suicide to making an attempt. EXAMPLES: breakup, bullying, school problems, rejection or perceived failure, sudden death of a loved one, suicide of a friend or relative, family stressors
**REMEMBER! No single event causes suicidality

400

What are some examples of negative coping skills?

Negative self-talk, aggressive/violent behavior, drinking or using drugs, avoiding friends and family, overeating, etc.

400
Laura sees a Snapchat Story from James that says, “I can’t handle life anymore. I’m done." Laura remembered that recently James has had more and more Snapchat stories with negative comments about himself. James had also been bullied at school frequently and didn't seem like himself anymore. Laura is really worried about James but unsure of what to do.
*RISK FACTORS: Bullied *WARNING SIGNS: Writing about possible suicidal thoughts on social media, Consistent negative thinking. *ACT: A–Try to reach James through phone call, text or social media C–Leave him a message that you care about him and want to help T–Take a screenshot and tell a trusted adult right away
500

What are some signs to seek IMMEDIATE help?

Threats or attempts to hurt or kill oneself, talking or writing about wanting to end one’s life in school or on social media, statements such as: “No one would miss me if I was gone.”, “I’d be better off dead.”, making “final arrangements”, looking for the means to kill oneself, sudden improvement in mood after period of extreme sadness

500
People that threaten suicide are just seeking attention and wont really do it.
MYTH! Talking about suicide can be a plea for help and it can be a late sign in the progression towards a suicide attempt. Do Not Ignore Suicidal Threats. It is likely that the young person has tried to gain attention and, therefore, this attention is needed. The attention that they get may well save their lives.
500
Name 3 risk factors for suicide
Being male, Access to lethal means (e.g., firearms), Aggressive/impulsive/risky behavior, History of sexual or physical abuse, Family history of mental illness, History of bullying, LGBTQ - Sexual orientation and gender identity
500
Why are coping skills so important?
Coping skills are methods a person uses to deal with stressful situations. Many mental health problems begin when physical stress or emotional stress triggers chemical changes in your brain. Using coping skills can reduce stress and restore normal chemical processes in your brain.
500
Haley and Jenna have been best friends for years. Haley had been dealing with depression since she was 12 years old. Jenna noticed that Haley started making comments like "I just don't feel right" & "I don't fit it anywhere". Haley recently started using alcohol on a regular basis, and then marijuana. Jenna and Haley got into a fight about this and Haley started hanging around with a different group of people. WARNING SIGNS? RISK FACTORS? ACT?
*RISK FACTORS: History of mental illness, drug/alcohol use, fight w/friend. *WARNING SIGNS: increase in substance use, risky behavior, negative statements about self, impulsive decisions. *ACT: A- "I've noticed that you haven't seemed like yourself recently" C- "I know we got into an argument but I still care about you and want to help" T- "Mr. Smith has always been a great support for us, maybe we can go talk to him together."