Embedded Files
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Crisis Textline: Text TALK to 741741
Crisis Textline: Text TALK to 741741
1-866-4-U-TREVOR: 1-866-488-7386
1-866-4-U-TREVOR: 1-866-488-7386
Clark County Crisis Line: 1-800-626-8137 or 360-696-9560
Clark County Crisis Line: 1-800-626-8137 or 360-696-9560
Teen Talk: 360-397-2428
Teen Talk: 360-397-2428
ACT for Parents Handout 2021.pdf**Warning** This section contains information and discussion of Suicide. This page may bring up uncomfortable feelings or strong emotions. **Warning**
**Warning** This section contains information and discussion of Suicide. This page may bring up uncomfortable feelings or strong emotions. **Warning**
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between 10 to 24.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between 10 to 24.
3 Steps S.A.G
3 Steps S.A.G
- “Show you care” (I’m concerned about you, I want to help)
- Ask the question directly”, "Are you thinking about Suicide?" (Use the word Suicide!)
- Let me help you “Get help” using parents, physicians, family, adults, teachers, counselors, 800 numbers (talk lines, etc), community resources, etc
How To Help Yourself
How To Help Yourself
Ask for Help
Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid, embarrassed, or hesitate at all to let your friends, family, or teachers know what you need; they want to help. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline any time — calls are confidential. Or use one of the many resources that are available 24 hours a day everyday of the year!
Don’t be afraid, embarrassed, or hesitate at all to let your friends, family, or teachers know what you need; they want to help. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline any time — calls are confidential. Or use one of the many resources that are available 24 hours a day everyday of the year!
Remember You Can Overcome This
Remember You Can Overcome This
Never give up! Family conflict, relationships, grades, sexual identity, the loss of important people, and so many other challenges can seem impossible to deal with. But with support from others, you can learn to deal, cope, and hopefully thrive. There is ALWAYS hope and help!
Never give up! Family conflict, relationships, grades, sexual identity, the loss of important people, and so many other challenges can seem impossible to deal with. But with support from others, you can learn to deal, cope, and hopefully thrive. There is ALWAYS hope and help!
Evaluate The Relationships In Your Life
Evaluate The Relationships In Your Life
Love and friendship are all about respect. Toxic or unhealthy relationships can negatively affect you. Whether you’re dating or building new friendships, remember your rights. If you’re being bullied, help is also available here.
Love and friendship are all about respect. Toxic or unhealthy relationships can negatively affect you. Whether you’re dating or building new friendships, remember your rights. If you’re being bullied, help is also available here.
Make a Safety Plan
Make a Safety Plan
A safety plan can help guide you through difficult moments and keep you safe.
A safety plan can help guide you through difficult moments and keep you safe.
- Recognize your personal warning signs: What thoughts, images, moods, situations, and behaviors indicate to you that a crisis may be developing? Write these down in your own words.
- Use your own coping strategies: List things that you can do on your own to help you not act on urges to harm yourself.
- Socialize with others who may offer support as well as distraction from the crisis: List people and social settings that may help take your mind off of difficult thoughts or feelings.
- Contact family members or friends who may help to resolve a crisis: Make a list of people who are supportive and who you feel you can talk to when under stress.
- Contact mental health professionals or agencies: Make a list of names, numbers and/or locations of clinicians, local emergency rooms, and crisis hotlines. Put the Lifeline number, 1-800-273-8255, into your phone.
- Ensure your environment is safe: Have you thought of ways in which you might harm yourself? Work with a counselor to develop a plan to limit your access to these means.
How To Help Someone Else
How To Help Someone Else
LEARN-Saves-Lives-Suicide-Prevention-Tips 9-11-20.pdfTake What They Say Seriously
Take What They Say Seriously
Some people feel that kids who say they are going to hurt or kill themselves are “just doing it for attention.” But if your child, friend, or family member confides thoughts of suicide, believe them and get help right away.
Some people feel that kids who say they are going to hurt or kill themselves are “just doing it for attention.” But if your child, friend, or family member confides thoughts of suicide, believe them and get help right away.
Learn Warning Signs
Learn Warning Signs
Friends sometimes let friends know if they are thinking about suicide or dying. Other times, changes in behavior may show that someone is struggling. We need to be proactive and look for changes or things out of the ordinary. Don't be afraid to speak up if you notice something or have concerns about someone.
Friends sometimes let friends know if they are thinking about suicide or dying. Other times, changes in behavior may show that someone is struggling. We need to be proactive and look for changes or things out of the ordinary. Don't be afraid to speak up if you notice something or have concerns about someone.
Risk Factors and Warning Signs.docxListen with Empathy and Provide Support
Listen with Empathy and Provide Support
A fight. breakup or issues someone is having might not seem like a big deal, but for a young person it can feel immense. Sympathize & listen without judging. Minimizing what someone is going through can increase their sense of hopelessness.
A fight. breakup or issues someone is having might not seem like a big deal, but for a young person it can feel immense. Sympathize & listen without judging. Minimizing what someone is going through can increase their sense of hopelessness.
Communicating_About_Suicide.pdfDon't EVER Keep Suicide a Secret
Don't EVER Keep Suicide a Secret
If someone you know is thinking about or considering suicide, don’t promise to keep it a secret. Tell them you want to help and they can trust you, but you have to involve other people, like a trusted adult. Neither of you have to face this alone nor should you. You must tell someone else and get them the help that they need even if they don't want you to! Then continue to follow up regularly with the struggling person showing them love and support!
If someone you know is thinking about or considering suicide, don’t promise to keep it a secret. Tell them you want to help and they can trust you, but you have to involve other people, like a trusted adult. Neither of you have to face this alone nor should you. You must tell someone else and get them the help that they need even if they don't want you to! Then continue to follow up regularly with the struggling person showing them love and support!
S.A.G: Show You Care, Ask The Question, Get Help!
S.A.G: Show You Care, Ask The Question, Get Help!
Look, Listen, Link
Look, Listen, Link
Facts About Suicide
Facts About Suicide
- Not talking about Suicide/avoiding the subject does not prevent it from happening, talking about suicide can help prevent it!
- 2 young people between the ages of 10-24 years old die to suicide per week in Washington State alone. In that same week, another 17 suicide attempts require hospitalization.
- 19% of 10th graders and 17% of 12th graders report serious considering suicide.
- 1 out of 10 youth attempt suicide (3 out of 10 for LGBT and 5 out of 10 for transgendered youth.)
- Nearly 1 in 6 students between the ages of 12-17 have seriously considered suicide.
- For every 1 person that dies by suicide, there are 60-100 who attempt it.
- More than 50% of Transgender youth will have had at least one suicide attempt by their 20th birthday.
- Youth suicides outnumber youth homicides.
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for Washington youth
- Peers (other students/friends) are key to suicide prevention as you guys go to each other far more than family, adults, or anyone else. You should go to adults more!
- The time for passivity and avoiding the elephant in the room are long gone. Students are aware of suicide and too many consider it an acceptable coping mechanism and option for the hurt and pain they experience. We can no longer pretend that avoiding the subject and not talking about it are going to prevent it from happening. Social media and the times that we live in will overpower previous stances on prevention and the stigma associated with suicide.
- Not talking about suicide is way worse than talking about it. Focus is on building skills, raising awareness (Show you care, ask questions, get help)
- Suicide Prevention Plan: Recognize when a friend is in trouble, Know what you can do to help, Know where to find that help!
Suicide is not inexplicable and is not simply the result of stress or difficult life circumstances. The key suicide risk factor is an undiagnosed, untreated, or ineffectively treated mental disorder. Research shows that over 90 percent of people who die by suicide have a mental disorder at the time of their death.
Suicide is not inexplicable and is not simply the result of stress or difficult life circumstances. The key suicide risk factor is an undiagnosed, untreated, or ineffectively treated mental disorder. Research shows that over 90 percent of people who die by suicide have a mental disorder at the time of their death.
In teens, the mental disorders most closely linked to suicide risk are major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, substance use disorder, and eating disorders. While in some cases these disorders may be precipitated by environmental stressors, they can also occur as a result of changes in brain chemistry, even in the absence of an identifiable or obvious “reason.”
In teens, the mental disorders most closely linked to suicide risk are major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, substance use disorder, and eating disorders. While in some cases these disorders may be precipitated by environmental stressors, they can also occur as a result of changes in brain chemistry, even in the absence of an identifiable or obvious “reason.”
Suicide is almost always complicated. In addition to the underlying disorders listed above, suicide risk can be affected by personality factors such as impulsivity, aggression, and hopelessness.
Suicide is almost always complicated. In addition to the underlying disorders listed above, suicide risk can be affected by personality factors such as impulsivity, aggression, and hopelessness.
Moreover, suicide risk can also be exacerbated by stressful life circumstances such as a history of childhood physical and/or sexual abuse; death, divorce, or other trauma in the family; persistent serious family conflict; traumatic breakups of romantic relationships; trouble with the law; school failures and other major disappointments; and bullying, harassment, or victimization by peers.
Moreover, suicide risk can also be exacerbated by stressful life circumstances such as a history of childhood physical and/or sexual abuse; death, divorce, or other trauma in the family; persistent serious family conflict; traumatic breakups of romantic relationships; trouble with the law; school failures and other major disappointments; and bullying, harassment, or victimization by peers.
It is important to remember that the vast majority of teens who experience even very stressful life events do not become suicidal. In some cases, such experiences can be a catalyst for suicidal behavior in teens who are already struggling with depression or other mental health problems. In others, traumatic experiences (such as prolonged bullying) can precipitate depression, anxiety, abuse of alcohol or drugs, or another mental disorder, which can increase suicide risk. Conversely, existing mental disorders may also lead to stressful life experiences such as family conflict, social isolation, relationship breakups, or school failures, which may exacerbate the underlying illness and in turn increase suicide risk.
It is important to remember that the vast majority of teens who experience even very stressful life events do not become suicidal. In some cases, such experiences can be a catalyst for suicidal behavior in teens who are already struggling with depression or other mental health problems. In others, traumatic experiences (such as prolonged bullying) can precipitate depression, anxiety, abuse of alcohol or drugs, or another mental disorder, which can increase suicide risk. Conversely, existing mental disorders may also lead to stressful life experiences such as family conflict, social isolation, relationship breakups, or school failures, which may exacerbate the underlying illness and in turn increase suicide risk.
Warning Signs of Suicide
Warning Signs of Suicide
These signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has recently increased in frequency or intensity, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.
These signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has recently increased in frequency or intensity, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.
• Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
• Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
• Looking for ways to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun
• Looking for ways to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated, or behaving recklessly
• Acting anxious or agitated, or behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings
• Displaying extreme mood swings
What to Do in a Crisis
What to Do in a Crisis
Take any threat or talk about suicide seriously. Start by telling the person that you are concerned. Don’t be afraid to ask whether she or he is considering suicide or has a plan or method in mind. Resist the temptation to argue the person out of suicide by saying, “You have so much to live for” or “Your suicide will hurt your family and friends.” Instead, seek professional help.
Take any threat or talk about suicide seriously. Start by telling the person that you are concerned. Don’t be afraid to ask whether she or he is considering suicide or has a plan or method in mind. Resist the temptation to argue the person out of suicide by saying, “You have so much to live for” or “Your suicide will hurt your family and friends.” Instead, seek professional help.
In an acute crisis:
In an acute crisis:
• Call 911.
• Call 911.
• Do not leave the person alone.
• Do not leave the person alone.
• If safe to do so, remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used.
• If safe to do so, remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used.
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
• Take the person to an emergency room or walk-in clinic at a psychiatric hospital.
• Take the person to an emergency room or walk-in clinic at a psychiatric hospital.
Symptoms of Mental Disorders Associated with Suicide Risk
Symptoms of Mental Disorders Associated with Suicide Risk
Most adults are not trained to recognize signs of serious mental disorders in teens, and symptoms are therefore often misinterpreted or attributed to normal adolescent mood swings, laziness, poor attitude, or immaturity. Diagnosis of a mental disorder should always be made by a qualified mental health professional.
Most adults are not trained to recognize signs of serious mental disorders in teens, and symptoms are therefore often misinterpreted or attributed to normal adolescent mood swings, laziness, poor attitude, or immaturity. Diagnosis of a mental disorder should always be made by a qualified mental health professional.
The key symptoms of major depressive disorder in teens are sad, depressed, angry, or irritable mood and lack of interest or pleasure in activities the teen used to enjoy, lasting at least two weeks. Symptoms represent a clear change from the person’s normal behavior and may include changes in appetite or sleep, feelings of worthlessness/guilt, inability to concentrate, slowed or agitated movement, recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, fatigue/loss of energy, and self-harm behavior.
The key symptoms of major depressive disorder in teens are sad, depressed, angry, or irritable mood and lack of interest or pleasure in activities the teen used to enjoy, lasting at least two weeks. Symptoms represent a clear change from the person’s normal behavior and may include changes in appetite or sleep, feelings of worthlessness/guilt, inability to concentrate, slowed or agitated movement, recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, fatigue/loss of energy, and self-harm behavior.
Sometimes referred to as manic depression, bipolar disorder includes alternating episodes of depression and mania. Symptoms of mania last at least one week, cause clear social or academic problems, and include extreme distractibility, lack of need for sleep, unusually rapid speech or motor activity, excessive talking, and involvement in risky activities such as gambling or irresponsible sexual behavior.
Sometimes referred to as manic depression, bipolar disorder includes alternating episodes of depression and mania. Symptoms of mania last at least one week, cause clear social or academic problems, and include extreme distractibility, lack of need for sleep, unusually rapid speech or motor activity, excessive talking, and involvement in risky activities such as gambling or irresponsible sexual behavior.
The key characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder is excessive, uncontrolled worry (for example, persistent worry about tests or speaking in class) occurring on most days for a period of six months. Symptoms may include restlessness or feeling keyed up, irritability, being easily fatigued, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances.
The key characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder is excessive, uncontrolled worry (for example, persistent worry about tests or speaking in class) occurring on most days for a period of six months. Symptoms may include restlessness or feeling keyed up, irritability, being easily fatigued, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances.
Teens with substance use disorder show a problematic pattern of drug or alcohol use over 12 months or more, leading to significant impairment or distress. Symptoms include taking larger amounts, over a longer period, than intended; continued use despite knowing that it is causing problems; increased irritability and anger; sleep disturbances; and family conflict over substance use.
Teens with substance use disorder show a problematic pattern of drug or alcohol use over 12 months or more, leading to significant impairment or distress. Symptoms include taking larger amounts, over a longer period, than intended; continued use despite knowing that it is causing problems; increased irritability and anger; sleep disturbances; and family conflict over substance use.
Conduct disorder is a repetitive, persistent pattern in children or adolescents of violating the rights of others, rules, or social norms, occurring over 12 months. Symptoms include bullying or threatening others, physical fights, fire-setting, destroying property, breaking into houses/cars, physical cruelty to people or animals, lying, shoplifting, running away from home, and frequent truancy.
Conduct disorder is a repetitive, persistent pattern in children or adolescents of violating the rights of others, rules, or social norms, occurring over 12 months. Symptoms include bullying or threatening others, physical fights, fire-setting, destroying property, breaking into houses/cars, physical cruelty to people or animals, lying, shoplifting, running away from home, and frequent truancy.
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are eating disorders that are strongly linked to other mental disorders, especially depression and anxiety. Symptoms of anorexia nervosa include refusal to maintain body weight at a minimally normal level for age and height, intense fear of gaining weight, and a denial of low body weight. Symptoms of bulimia include repeated episodes of binge eating (at least twice a week for three months) combined with recurrent inappropriate behaviors to avoid gaining weight such as vomiting, misuse of laxatives, or excessive exercise.
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are eating disorders that are strongly linked to other mental disorders, especially depression and anxiety. Symptoms of anorexia nervosa include refusal to maintain body weight at a minimally normal level for age and height, intense fear of gaining weight, and a denial of low body weight. Symptoms of bulimia include repeated episodes of binge eating (at least twice a week for three months) combined with recurrent inappropriate behaviors to avoid gaining weight such as vomiting, misuse of laxatives, or excessive exercise.
Help Is Available
Help Is Available
If there are concerns about a student’s emotional or mental health, a referral should be made to an appropriate mental health professional for assessment, diagnosis, and possible treatment. Mental health resources that may be available include school counselors, community mental health agencies, emergency psychiatric screening centers, and children’s mobile response programs. Pediatricians and primary care providers can also be a source of mental health referrals.
If there are concerns about a student’s emotional or mental health, a referral should be made to an appropriate mental health professional for assessment, diagnosis, and possible treatment. Mental health resources that may be available include school counselors, community mental health agencies, emergency psychiatric screening centers, and children’s mobile response programs. Pediatricians and primary care providers can also be a source of mental health referrals.
Some depressed teens show improvement in just four to six weeks with talk therapy alone. Most others experience a significant reduction of depressive symptoms with antidepressant medication. Medication is usually essential in treating severe depression and other serious mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Since 2004, an FDA warning has recommended close monitoring of youth taking antidepressants for worsening of symptoms, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and other changes. Risks of medication must be weighed against the risks of not effectively treating depression or other serious mental disorders.
Some depressed teens show improvement in just four to six weeks with talk therapy alone. Most others experience a significant reduction of depressive symptoms with antidepressant medication. Medication is usually essential in treating severe depression and other serious mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Since 2004, an FDA warning has recommended close monitoring of youth taking antidepressants for worsening of symptoms, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and other changes. Risks of medication must be weighed against the risks of not effectively treating depression or other serious mental disorders.
(Adapted with permission from More Than Sad: Preventing Teen Suicide, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, http://www.morethansad.org.)
(Adapted with permission from More Than Sad: Preventing Teen Suicide, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, http://www.morethansad.org.)
Identifying Other Students at Possible Risk for Suicide
Identifying Other Students at Possible Risk for Suicide
In the face of apparent contagion, it is important for schools to utilize counselors and others who have been trained to identify students who may be at heightened risk for suicide due to underlying mental disorders or behavioral problems (such as depression, anxiety, conduct disorder, and/or substance abuse) and who have been exposed to the prior suicide either directly (by virtue of close identification or relationship with the deceased) or indirectly (by virtue of extensive media coverage).
In the face of apparent contagion, it is important for schools to utilize counselors and others who have been trained to identify students who may be at heightened risk for suicide due to underlying mental disorders or behavioral problems (such as depression, anxiety, conduct disorder, and/or substance abuse) and who have been exposed to the prior suicide either directly (by virtue of close identification or relationship with the deceased) or indirectly (by virtue of extensive media coverage).
Of special concern are those students who:
Of special concern are those students who:
• have a history of suicide attempts
• have a history of suicide attempts
• are dealing with stressful life events such as a death or divorce in the family
• are dealing with stressful life events such as a death or divorce in the family
• were eyewitnesses to the death
• were eyewitnesses to the death
• are family members or close friends of the deceased (including siblings at other schools as well as teammates, classmates, and acquaintances of the deceased)
• are family members or close friends of the deceased (including siblings at other schools as well as teammates, classmates, and acquaintances of the deceased)
• received a phone call, text, or other communication from the deceased foretelling the suicide
• received a phone call, text, or other communication from the deceased foretelling the suicide
• may have fought with or bullied the deceased
• may have fought with or bullied the deceased
Schools can also seek to identify those in the general student body who may be at heightened risk by using a mental health screening tool (a process sometimes called case finding) such as the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (http://www.sprc.org).
Schools can also seek to identify those in the general student body who may be at heightened risk by using a mental health screening tool (a process sometimes called case finding) such as the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (http://www.sprc.org).
Going Forward
Going Forward
In the ensuing months, schools should consider implementing:
In the ensuing months, schools should consider implementing:
• Suicide awareness programs to educate teachers and other school personnel about the symptoms of depression and the causes of suicidal behavior in young people
• Suicide awareness programs to educate teachers and other school personnel about the symptoms of depression and the causes of suicidal behavior in young people
• Programs to educate students themselves about the symptoms and risks of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and conduct disorder
• Programs to educate students themselves about the symptoms and risks of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and conduct disorder
• Gatekeeper training programs, which teach laypeople the practical skills for identifying and referring those who may be at risk, and can be made available to those in the community who work with young people such as youth group leaders, coaches, clergy, and parents
• Gatekeeper training programs, which teach laypeople the practical skills for identifying and referring those who may be at risk, and can be made available to those in the community who work with young people such as youth group leaders, coaches, clergy, and parents
• A school-based suicide prevention program
• A school-based suicide prevention program
Another source is the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices, maintained by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. While few of the programs are specific to suicide prevention, this database includes mental health interventions
Another source is the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices, maintained by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. While few of the programs are specific to suicide prevention, this database includes mental health interventions
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