True or False
Males are more likely to die by suicide than are women
What is true. This is known as the Gender Paradox in suicide. Males are more likely to die by suicide but women are more likely to attempt suicide.
Is ongoing exposure to bullying a suicide risk factor or a warning sign?
What is a suicide risk factor?
What are two things that you shouldn't do when you find out someone around you is considering suicide?
Never promise to keep someone's suicidal feelings a secret. Don't take it as a joke, don't judge them, and don't and dismiss their feelings.
What are protective factors?
What are skills, strengths, and resources that help you deal more effectively with stressful events
What is self-care? Give 3 examples:
Talking about suicide will lead to and encourage suicide
What is false. Research indicates that talking openly and responsibly about suicide lets a potentially suicidal person know they do not have to be alone, that there are people who want to listen and who want to help. Most people are relieved to finally be able to talk honestly about their feelings, and this alone can reduce the risk of an attempt.
People who talk about suicide may be:
Reaching out for help or support, experiencing anxiety, depression and hopelessness, or feeling like there is no other option
Your friend tells you that they're depressed and considering suicide. They make you promise to not tell anyone about what's going on but you're really worried and concerned about your friend. What should you do?
You should share your concerns with a teacher, guidance counselor, someone at church, someone at a local youth center or another responsible adult. Even if your friend is mad at you for telling someone at least they're getting the help they need.
Name 3 people/resources at PCTI that are available to you
TEEN CENTER (YASSS), Ms. Lacorte, Mr. Branca, Counselors, Nurses, any trusted adult
Describe person-first (or person-centered) language and why it is important?
What is a sentence structure that names the person first and the condition second. Example: "people living with disabilities" rather than "disabled people"
Most suicides occur with little or no warning
What is false. People who are considering suicide often show signs that they are not okay. Therefore, it’s important to learn and understand the warnings signs associated with suicide. Many individuals who are suicidal may only show warning signs to those closest to them.
What is the difference between risk factors and warning signs?
Risk factors are characteristics or conditions that increase the chance that a person may try to end their life. Warning signs are changes in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors (signs that indicate something may be wrong)
Talking openly and responsibly about suicide lets people know that...?
They do not have to be alone, there are people that want to listen and who want to help, and it's okay to talk honestly about their feelings---(this alone can reduce the risk of an attempt)
Name at least 5 protective factors that may decrease the risk of attempting suicide?
What is parent connectedness, academic achievement, school safety, closeness to caring friends, neighborhood safety, connections to other non-parental adults, and awareness of and access to local health services
What are 3 ways you can challenge mental health stigma?
what is learning the facts, speaking openly about difficult topics, encouraging treatment, and being supportive
Suicide is the 5th leading cause of death amongst young people aged 15-24?
What is false. It is the 2ND leading cause of death amongst this age group
Teen suicide warning signs may include (list 5):
Change in eating and sleeping habits, withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities, drug and alcohol use, unusual neglect of personal appearance, irritability, rage, giving prized possessions away, saying goodbyes, talking about feeling trapped or being a burden to others
What are 2 ways to start a conversation about suicide with someone you are concerned about?
"I have been feeling concerned about you lately.” "Recently, I have noticed some differences in you and wondered how you are doing.” "I wanted to check in with you because you haven’t seemed yourself lately.”
What are two ways you can begin to develop more self-compassion?
Honor and accept that you are human. You will encounter frustrations, losses will occur, and you will make mistakes. Treat yourself as you would a small child, a good friend, or even a beloved pet. Practice mindfulness--the state of non-judgmental awareness. Remember that you are not alone, give yourself permission to be imperfect
Who was Dorothea Dix?
Dorothea Dix was an American advocate, author, and educator who through a vigorous and sustained program of lobbying state legislatures and the United States Congress, created the first generation of American mental asylums in the 1840's
A person dies by suicide approximately every 12 minutes in the United States
What is true. Suicide takes the lives of over 44,965 Americans every year. (CDC)
What are some ways you can help someone who is sad and considering suicide (even if you can't relate, don't know what to say, or feel incapable of sitting with their pain)? What can you do?
Let them know they are not alone. Listen to what they are saying. Direct them towards a trusted adult or professional. Go talk to an adult with them or for them.
Can suicide be prevented?
In most cases, suicide can be prevented. The best way to prevent suicide is to be alert to the warning signs for suicide and intervene when you can. Almost any positive action may save a life. If people in crisis get the help they need, they are far less likely to attempt suicide
Name three resources in your geographical community that you can go to if you ever needed help? (Team members should share amongst themselves)
Hospitals, places of worship, police station, mental health community centers, youth centers, other schools, etc
What are two crisis helplines you can use as resources (name and number)
What is the Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255), 2ND Floor Youth Helpline (888-222-2228), The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386), Crisis Text Line (Text CONNECT to 741741)