Why the Concern?

Two Oregon State Youth (10-24 years old) die by suicide each week.
1 of 5 youth seriously considers suicide.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death
80% of people who die by suicide have given off clues or talked about suicide.
16% of 8th graders report seriously considering suicide.

Signs of Depression

NOT all people who are depressed consider suicide. However, everyone who considers suicide is depressed. Therefore, it is good to know signs of depression so you can get help.

Signs of depression include:

Anxiety or irritability
Changes in eating/sleeping habits
Physical complaints
Poor school performance
Drug or alcohol abuse
Moodiness, hopelessness, withdrawal

Tipping Point

Stressors come in all shapes and sizes. Individuals have different band-widths for handling stress. Some individuals can hold 3x the stress as their peer. I refer to these as Platter people. Other people are dinner plates. And still others are dessert plates. It is not a sign of weakness when you are at full capacity. But once you are beyond your capacity, people need support! PLEASE don't judge those around you based upon your capacity. Consider the individual's unique needs. If they are overwhelmed with stress - they may be near their breaking point and desperately need support!

Warning signs of Suicidal Thoughts

If you observe or notice these behaviors, your friend may be considering suicide. These are concerns to be taken seriously.

Talk of suicide
Making a suicide plan
Moodiness, irritability, sadness
Withdrawal, hopelessness
Alcohol or drug abuse
Impulsivity
Change in school performance
Giving away possessions

HOW should I respond when I am concerned?

Respond with the following acronym: S.A.G.

Show you Care

Example:

“I am worried about you; I want to help.”
Sit with them and let them know you are willing to listen!

Ask the Question

THIS is CRUCIAL! You have to be specific. Be direct. NO MATTER how uncomfortable you are, this is not about your comfort. This question is pivotal in possibly saving the life of someone you care about!

Ask them directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?”

Get Help Immediately

If they say, "No!" to the question ... whew! :-) Note they still may need support because of depression. Continue to reach out as a friend.

However, if they say, "Yes!"

Do not leave him/her alone!

Tell them, "You are not alone. Let me help you find help.”

Where do I go for HELP!

TAKE your friend with you to one of the following:

Trusted adult friend
School counselor
Teachers or coaches
Faith community
Parents
..... Text or dial one of the following 24 hour hotlines! They are staffed by Trained volunteers. You will never get a recording. Counselors are available to support people in crisis no matter what time of day or what state you are in. Call to support your Grandma in Florida, your cousin in Chicago, your brother in Arizona, or your best friend in Oregon .....

741741

Youth prefer to TEXT!

NOW we offer support nationally through this amazing hotline!

To Start a conversation-

Text: Hello

988 is a national hotline staffed by volunteers who are trained mental health counselors.

This number is active 24/7 -- so if you are in Hawaii or New York or any place in between -- YOU can always talk to a live person who cares.

866-488-7386

Trevor Line is staffed with volunteers who support people who identify as Queer.

LGBTQ population are at a Greater risk for suicide! PLEASE give them support!

Facing the Facts!

Youth suicide is a problem in Oregon.
Bringing up suicide will not put the idea in their head.
By talking about suicide you may help save a life.

REMEMBER: S.A.G.

Show you care

Ask the question

Get help

Hyde & Held

Remember: We are here for you.

Ms Hyde and Mrs. Held are ready to support you and your family. Please reach out to us when you need support. Life can be hard. Don't be afraid to reach out! TEXT or CALL!

Ms Hyde: 503-454-6829

Mrs. Held: 971-231-4621

YOUR LIFE MATTERS!

As friends, support one another through the difficult times.

Today's stress is temporary. Remember, it won't always be this hard.

Tips for Parents re: Talking to Youth About Depression or Suicide

Focus on listening, not lecturing.
Resist any urge to criticize or pass judgment once your child begins to talk. The important thing is that your child is communicating. You’ll do the most good by simply letting your teen know that you’re there for them, fully and unconditionally.

Be gentle but persistent.
Don’t give up if they shut you out at first. Talking about depression can be very tough for children. Even if they want to, they may have a hard time expressing what they’re feeling. Be respectful of your child’s comfort level while still emphasizing your concern and willingness to listen. Avoid taking angry comments personally.

Acknowledge their feelings.
Don’t try to talk your child out of depression, even if their feelings or concerns appear silly or irrational to you. Well-meaning attempts to explain why “things aren’t that bad” will just come across as if you don’t take their emotions seriously. To make them feel understood and supported, simply acknowledging the pain and sadness they are experiencing can go a long way in making them feel understood and supported.

Trust your gut.
If your child claims nothing is wrong but has no explanation for what is causing the depressed behavior, you should trust your instincts. If your child won’t open up to you, consider turning to a trusted third party: a school counselor, favorite teacher, or mental health professional. The important thing is to get them talking to someone.

Avoid letting little things ‘build up’
Speak to the issue so it does not feel like you are criticizing the ‘whole teen’ rather the specific behavior
Communicate directly and calmly even if angry
Help identify symptoms changes‐ both increase in intensity of symptoms as well as improvements in symptoms (better sleep, more active, more socialization, etc.)
Changing expectations with improving mood and functioning
Provide feedback about positive changes you noticed
Always take suicide talk seriously‐ let your care provider know
Make school aware of what is occurring‐ find an ally

Further assistance is available.
Youth Suicide Prevention has provided key talking points developed by SAVE: https://www.save.org

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