Signs & Symptoms
What are some signs/symptoms that someone may have depression?
Overwhelming feeling of sadness and hopelessness; Fatigue; Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities; Change in eating habits; Trouble concentrating
What are some examples of mental illness that teens may experience?
Depression; Anxiety; Bipolar Disorder; Eating Disorders; Addictive Behaviors
What were the two people you could go for help that are available at the school called?
Teachers
Principal & Assistant Principal
School Counselors or Psychologist
Coaches
If a person has not shown obvious signs of suicidal thoughts, directly asking them about suicide could unintentionally make them think about suicide for the first time.
Myth
True or False: Asking someone directly if they are thinking about suicide can make them more likely to attempt suicide.
False
What two habits might change from depression or suicidal thoughts?
1. Eating
2. Sleeping
You should not rely on ____ or ____ if you are feeling depressed.
Alcohol/Drugs & Caffeine
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
Professional - Doctor, Therapist
Suicide can affect people regardless of their socioeconomic status. Which statement best reflects this?
A) Suicide primarily affects people experiencing poverty.
B) Suicide is mainly associated with middle-income households.
C) People with higher incomes are generally not at risk.
D) Suicide can occur across all socioeconomic groups, although economic conditions can influence risk.
D) All socioeconomic classes
You are talking with a friend who has been struggling. They make TWO different statements.
Identify which statement is INDIRECT and which is DIRECT, then explain what you would say or do in response to each one.
True/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.
What is one barrier that could prevent a person experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts from reaching out for help, and how might that barrier affect their decision to seek support?
- Fear of being judged — They may worry that others will treat them differently.
-Not knowing where to get help — They may not know who they can safely talk to.
Women die by suicide more often than men because they experience suicidal thoughts and attempts at higher rates.
Myth. Men complete suicide 3.54x more often than women. Women do attempt suicide more often than men.
You notice a friend has slowly pulled away from people, stopped doing things they normally enjoy, and has started making comments about being a burden. When you check on them, they insist that everything is fine and ask you not to make a big deal out of it. What is the most appropriate thing to do?
Suicidal thoughts can sometimes occur alongside physical complaints related to emotional distress. Name TWO physical symptoms a person who is struggling may report.
What are some behavioral cues that someone may be considering suicide?
Any previous suicide attempt; acquiring a firearm; Giving away prized possessions; drug or alcohol abuse; Unexplained anger, aggression, irritability
A friend has been showing signs that they may be struggling, but they have not mentioned suicide. How would you approach the conversation indirectly before asking the question directly? Give one example of each.
Indirect - "Have you been really unhappy lately?"
Direct - "Are you thinking about ending your life?"
Having strong relationships, a stable home life, and positive experiences generally protects a person from suicide, meaning someone with these protective factors would rarely need to be considered at risk.
MYTH
You notice a friend has been acting differently for several weeks. They have become more isolated, stopped participating in activities they usually enjoy, and have made a few comments that concern you. When you check in, they say they are just dealing with stress and ask you not to involve anyone else. What is the most appropriate response?
A. Respect their privacy and give them space, since they said they are only stressed.
B. Encourage them to talk to someone, but wait to involve an adult unless they directly mention suicide.
C. Listen to them without judgment, take the warning signs seriously, and involve a trusted adult if you are concerned about their safety.
D. Ask their other friends whether they have noticed the same behavior before deciding what to do.
C
A person may not always openly explain what they are going through, but sometimes they may make statements that directly communicate suicidal thoughts. What are TWO examples of direct verbal cues that could indicate someone is thinking about suicide?
What are some situational cues that would suggest someone may be considering suicide?
Family change; Death of close family member or friend; Loss of any major relationship; Recent unwanted move; Fear of being a burden to others;
What is the Suicide Hotline's number?
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Because adolescence can involve emotional ups and downs, repeated statements about death or suicide may be dismissed as ordinary teenage behavior or an attempt to get attention unless the teenager shows clear evidence that they intend to hurt themselves.
MYTH
A friend has recently started missing school, stopped talking to their usual group, and gave up an activity they cared about. When you ask what changed, they say, “Nothing specific happened. I just don't see things the same way anymore.” Later, they tell you, “Please don't make this a bigger deal than it is.”
Without assuming what they are going through, what would you do, and what specific sign in this situation would make you take extra action?