CWK WarningSigns RG r1 - Home - Connect with Kids€¦ · · 2012-09-17This resource guide is designed to accompany the video entitled ... emotions and socialization. WHAT WE CAN

R E S O U R C E G U I D E

Warning Signs

Fact Sheet

Parent Tip Sheet

Grades 3-5 Lesson Plan



Discussion Questions

Character TraitsAll Connect with Kids

programs address these 26 character traits:

Caring/Compassion

Civility

Cooperation

Courtesy

Freedom

Helpfulness

Honor

Justice/Fairness

Loyalty

Peace

Respect

Self-Control

Tolerance

Citizenship

Conviction

Courage

Diligence

Generosity

Honesty

Integrity

Kindness

Patience

Perseverance

Responsibility

Togetherness

Trustworthiness

Warning SignsDepression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide… many health care professionals arguethat mental health problems afflict more of our children today than ever before —and that many of these children are undiagnosed. Experts say that parents, teachersand even friends need to understand that poor choices or bad behavior just mightbe a child’s way of saying “I need help.” One study reports nearly a third of teenssay they have felt sad or hopeless for at least two weeks in a row. And the Centersfor Disease Control reports that one in five teens will consider suicide, and one in 10will make a serious attempt. What are the warning signs of these illnesses? Howcan parents help? And how can kids help each other?

This resource guide is designed to accompany the video entitled “Warning Signs.” This resource guide includes:

• Fact Sheet

• Parent Tip Sheet

• Grades 3-5 Lesson Plan



• Discussion Questions

© 2007 CWK Network, Inc.


(continued on next page)

Fact Sheet

Warning Signs

WHAT WE KNOW• 20% of teens between the ages of 12 and

20 suffer from depression (Treatment forAdolescents with Depression Study, 2004).

• For people 15-24 years of age, suicide is thethird leading cause of death. (Centers forDisease Control, 2004)

• 80% of people who seek treatment fordepression are treated successfully. (SuicideAwareness Voices of Education – SAVE, 2005)

• Suicide can be prevented through educationand public awareness. (SAVE, 2004)

Because every child behaves and reacts to thingsdifferently, depression may be one of the hardestillnesses to diagnose. While some willinglydescribe and discuss their sad feelings, otherschoose to act out aggressively, another mightwithdraw from social interaction, and yet othersstill become anxious, fearful or even paranoid.

The important thing is to take notice. If anelementary age student expresses feelings ofsadness and how nobody likes them, notice if theyinteract with others. Do they really only perceivethey have no friends, or are they truly alone duringplay times? If they complain of stomachaches orheadaches or other pains, see a doctor todetermine the cause of these pains.

Because of the hormonal changes in teens,depression becomes more challenging todiagnose. Adults should be aware of changes in habits, emotions and socialization.

WHAT WE CAN DOExperts tell us to look for the following signs ofdepression. They do not always but can lead tosuicide.

• Depressed, irritable, sad or empty mood for atleast two weeks.

• Decreased interest in activities or people theyused to enjoy.

• Appetite changes: eating too much or too little;noticeable weight gain or loss

• Over sleeping or serious under sleeping• Slowing down and loss of energy• Low self-esteem• Inability to concentrate or focus on anything,

including things they usually love to do• Constant aches and pains with no reason• Talks, jokes, and sometimes obsesses about

death and/or suicide• Tries risky behaviors that might result in death• Becomes obsessed with guns and knives as

well as movies, books, shows or music aboutabout death

There are ways to intervene and find treatment.Talk with a doctor, clinician or other professionaltrained to deal with depression and if serioussuicide attempts are made, go to the nearestemergency room.


Fact Sheet (cont.)

Warning Signs

RESOURCESAmerican Psychological Association,www.apa.org

Centers for Disease Control,www.cdc.gov

Families for Depression Awareness,www.familyaware.org

Kids Health www.kidshealth.org

Love Our Children, USA,www.loveourchildrenusa.org

Med Line Plus,www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/

Mental Health America,www.mentalhealthamerica.org

National Center for Suicide Prevention Training,www.ncspt.org

National Institute of Mental Health,www.nimh.nih.gov

Not My Kids,www.notmykids.org

Safe Youth,www.safeyouth.org

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education,www.save.org



Parent Tip Sheet

Warning Signs

SIGNS YOUR CHILD IS DEPRESSED OR SUICIDALDepressed and/or suicidal children may sendverbal messages. Some might write or say any ofthe following:• Statements about being a bad person or

unworthy of being alive such as, “I shouldn’teven be here,” or “I wish I was never born,”or “I wish I could disappear forever.”

• Writing, talking and general preoccupation withdeath and suicide; wonders what it would feellike to be dead; wonders what would be thebest way to die.

• Tells people goodbye; says things like,“You won’t have to worry about me anymore,”or “You won’t be seeing me anymore.”

Look for the following signs in their behavior oractions:• Withdrawal from friends, family and activities• Changes in eating, sleeping, working habits as

well as hygienic habits• Sudden, severe academic slumps• Long bouts of crying; when asked why, will

often respond, “I don’t know.”• Enormous mood swings, including rage and

hostility towards self and others followed by a reversal of the rage to be alone OR suddencheerfulness after a bout of depression

• Substance abuse, especially when noneoccurred before (this can include tobacco,alcohol, or illegal, prescription or over-the-counter drugs)

• Shuts others out• Gives away or throws away previously

important possessions• Feels overwhelmed, hopeless, guilty

or ashamed• Cannot get in control• Looks for ways to kill him/herself: seeks

weapons of self-destruction, pills, etc.

WHAT YOU CAN DO• Talk about depression and suicide openly.

Realize — and help your child to understand —that depression is medical condition that, likeany other illness, can be treated.

• Honor your child’s feelings and accept them.Denying their feelings takes away what littleconfidence they might have in understandingthemselves. Above all, take their feelingsseriously. For younger children, help them todevelop a vocabulary of emotions to expresstheir feelings.

• Do not judge your child or his or her feelings.Listen.

• Get involved in his/her life and be available tolisten, be there, help, etc. Make sure your childknows you will be available always.

• Never dare your child to act on his or hersuicidal threats.

• Stay calm. Showing shock often will show your child you never tried to read the signshe/she sent.

• Refuse to keep suicidal thoughts or actionssecret. Seek professional help immediately.

• Contact for help any of the following: a mentalhealth agency, a private therapist or counselor,a school counselor or psychologist, a familyphysician, a suicide prevention or crisis center.


Parent Tip Sheet (cont.)

Warning Signs

RESOURCESAmerican Psychological Association,www.apa.org

Centers for Disease Control,www.cdc.gov

Families for Depression Awareness,www.familyaware.org

Kids Health www.kidshealth.org

Love Our Children, USA,www.loveourchildrenusa.org

Med Line Plus,www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/

Mental Health America,www.mentalhealthamerica.org

National Center for Suicide Prevention Training,www.ncspt.org

National Institute of Mental Health,www.nimh.nih.gov

Not My Kids,www.notmykids.org

Safe Youth,www.safeyouth.org

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education,www.save.org


Lesson Plan Grades 3-5Sign on the Line

Warning Signs

For theClassroom

PURPOSE Students will complete a self-assessment sheetabout their own personal warning signs and thensign a pledge with their parents to be aware ofthese signs and to take action together.

OBJECTIVESStudents will:• Brainstorm signs of different feelings and

states of being in their lives• Complete the worksheet with their parents• Create a “take action” pledge with their parents

MATERIALS• Personal Signs Worksheet• Pens, pencils• Paper• Colored construction paper, art supplies, glue

PROCEDURE 1. Open a discussion by asking, When you

watched the documentary ‘Warning Signs’,what were some of the signals the kids weresending to their parents that they needed help?What were some of the signals they sent topeople in school? Did their families and friendsunderstand the warning signs? Did the kidsunderstand their own signs themselves? Whyor why not?

2. Now ask your students to relate thedocumentary to their own lives, but not in sucha drastic way. Ask, Do you ever send warningsigns about how you feel or what you arethinking? Do you know your own warningsigns? When you recognize them, what do youdo to help yourself? Let’s explore those a little.

3. Distribute the Personal Signs worksheet andlead them through the Academic section. Askthe class for their input so that everyone getsan idea of how to complete the task. Askstudents to share their answers for how theydeal with their academic problems. Note how

many of them tackle the issue on their own,how many seek help, and how many justignore it. Discuss how these methods mighthelp them with other areas of their lives.

4. Have students fill in the blanks for PhysicalHealth and share their responses. Ask, How areyour methods of dealing with these issues thesame or different from how you handleacademic issues?

5. Explain that the Emotional Health section is tobe filled out at home with their parents and/orguardians. What signs do their parents notice?Do they notice the same things in themselvesor different things?

6. When students complete the Emotional Health section, they should then complete the Warning Sign Pledge and sign it with their parents/guardians. They must bring the completed sheet back to class.

7. On the day the worksheet and pledge are due,have students mount the pledge sheet on apiece of colored paper and decorate it, if theywish. If possible, laminate it. They will bringthis page home to their parents/guardians as a sign that they will work together whenevertheir warning signs surface.

EVALUATION • Did students participate in the discussion?• Did students complete the parent homework

portion of the assignment?• Did students and at least one parent/guardian

sign the pledge and return it to class? • Do students understand their own warning

signs and ways to help themselves?




Personal Signs

Warning Signs

Complete each of the sentences by filling in the blank with the appropriate information from yourpersonal experience. The Emotional Health section and the Warning Sign Pledge should be completedwith your parents/guardians.

ACADEMIC SIGNS1. When I’m in trouble in ________________, you can tell because: __________________________ and

(subject) ____________________________________________ start to happen. Two ways I deal with it are:

________________________________________ and ______________________________________.

PHYSICAL HEALTH SIGNS2. When I’m about to catch a cold or get sick, you can tell because __________________________ and

_______________________________________________ start to happen. Two ways I deal with it are:

________________________________________ and ______________________________________.

3. When I’m tired, you can tell because _________________________________________________

and ______________________________________________ start to happen. Two ways I deal with it are:

_____________________________________ and ______________________________________.

EMOTIONAL HEALTH SIGNS

4. When I’m sad, you can tell because ________________________________________________ and

_________________________________________________ start to happen. Two ways I deal with it are:

______________________________________ and ___________________________________________.

5. When I’m angry, you can tell because ______________________________________________ and


_____________________________________ and ______________________________________.

6. When I’m excited or really happy, you can tell because ___________________________________ and

_________________________________________________ start to happen. Two ways I celebrate it are:

_____________________________________ and ______________________________________.


Personal SignsWarning Signs


W A R N I N G S I G N P L E D G EWhen I display any of the above signs, I will do my best to recognize them and do whatever is needed tohelp myself or celebrate them appropriately. If I cannot do so, I promise to find help from the people whocare about me. My parents/guardians promise to be aware of my signs and to help me appropriately.

________________________________________________ __________________

Student signature Date

________________________________________________ __________________

Parent and/or guardian signature/s Date



Lesson Plan Grades 6-8Signs of the Times

Warning Signs

For theClassroom

PURPOSEStudents will complete a self-assessment sheetabout their own personal warning signs, signs theirpeers send and possible actions to take whenthese signals arise.


states of being in their lives• Complete the worksheet • Work with partners to create a list of possible

actions to take/things to say when warningsigns appear

• Select one and create a poster to encourageand help others to know what to say or dowhen the signs appear

MATERIALS• Personal Signs Worksheet• Pens, pencils• Paper• Poster board, art supplies


watched the documentary ‘Warning Signs’,what were some of the signals the kids weresending to their parents that they needed help?What were some of the signals they sent topeople in school? Did their families and friendsunderstand the warning signs? Did the kidsunderstand their own signs themselves? Why or why not?

2. Now ask students to relate the documentary totheir own lives. Ask, Do you ever send warningsigns about how you feel or what you arethinking? Do you know your own warningsigns? When you recognize them, what do youdo to help yourself? Let’s explore those a little.

3. Distribute the Personal Signs worksheet andlead them through the Academic section. Askthe class for their input so everyone gets anidea of how to complete the task. Ask studentsto share their answers for how they deal withtheir academic problems. Note how many ofthem tackle the issue on their own, how manyseek help, and how many just ignore it.Discuss how these methods might help themwith other areas of their lives.

4. Have students fill in the blanks for PhysicalHealth and share their responses. Ask, How are your methods of dealing with these issuesthe same or different from how you handleacademic issues?

5. After students complete the Emotional Healthsection, ask, Do you think your parents noticethe same signs or different ones than those you notice about yourself? Do you think yourfriends notice these signs? What do they do orsay to you — if anything — to help you throughthese moments?

6. Break the class into pairs for the next section.Say, Now that you have thought about yourown personal signs, let’s think about signalsothers send to us that they might be depressedor angry or worse. In the next five minutes, youand your partner are going to create a list ofwarning signs someone your age might send tolet you know they are seriously sad, depressed,frustrated or even suicidal.

7. After the allotted time, have students share,compare and contrast their lists.

8. Now ask students to work with their partnersagain to come up with a list of things they cando and/or say when they see these warningsigns. They should consider who they mighttalk to for help for the person. Give them 10minutes to complete their lists.



Lesson Plan Grades 6-8Signs of the Times (cont.)

Warning Signs

For theClassroom

9. Again, share results as a group, writing theirsolutions on the board.

10. For homework, each student will select asolution and create a visual aid (poster, picture,etc.) that could be posted in the school to help the student population be more aware ofwarning signs and the ways they can help each other.

EVALUATION• Did students participate in the discussions?• Did students work with partners to create lists

of signs and actions they can take?• Did students complete the homework/visual

assignment?• Do students understand their own warning

signs and ways to help themselves and others?




Complete each of the sentences by filling in the blank with the appropriate information from yourpersonal experience. Use the back of the sheet if you need more room.



________________________________________ and ______________________________________.



________________________________________ and ______________________________________.



_____________________________________ and ______________________________________.




______________________________________ and ___________________________________________.



_____________________________________ and ______________________________________.



_____________________________________ and ______________________________________.


Lesson Plan Grades 9-12I Saw the Signs

Warning Signs

For theClassroom

PURPOSEStudents will complete a self-assessment sheetabout their own personal warning signs, signs theirpeers send and possible actions to take whenthese signals arise.


states of being in their lives• Complete the worksheet • Work with partners to create a list of possible

actions to take/things to say when warningsigns appear

• Select one and create a poster to encourageand help others to know what to say or dowhen the signs appear

MATERIALS• Personal Signs Worksheet• Pens, pencils• Paper• Access to research materials, the Internet or a

professional counselor


watched the documentary ‘Warning Signs’,what were some of the signals the youngpeople were sending to their parents that theyneeded help? What were some of the signalsthey sent to people in school? Did their familiesand friends understand the warning signs? Did they understand their own signs? Why or why not?

2. Now ask students to relate the documentary to their own lives. Ask, Do you ever sendwarning signs about how you feel or what you are thinking? Do you know your ownwarning signs? When you recognize them,what do you do to help yourself?

Discuss a few examples of how they read theirown warning signs for when they feel sick, orwhen they are tired, and eventually for whenthey are sad or depressed.

3. Break the class into pairs for the next section.Say, Now that you have thought about yourown personal signs, let’s think about signsothers send us that they might be depressed or angry or worse. In the next five minutes, youand your partner are going to create a list ofwarning signs someone your age might send to let you know he or she is seriously sad,depressed, frustrated, angry or even suicidal.

4. Regroup students and have them share theirlists with the large group. Ask, Have you evertaken the time to talk to someone who sendsthese signs? Why or why not?

5. Ask them to think about other circumstances inrecent history where people did not readwarning signs. What were the signs? Why werepeople able to read them or why were they notable to read them? What were the outcomes?Could they have been avoided? How?

6. Have students work with their partners again to come up with a list of things they can doand/or say when they see these warning signs,as well as a list of people or professionals whomight be able to help. Give students 10minutes to complete their lists.

7. Again, share ideas as a group, writing theirsolutions on the board.

8. Now that they have worked independenty,it’s time to do some research. Have studentsresearch actual signs of depression and/orsuicide and find the suggestions from expertson what to do and what to say. They should use the websites listed on the WARNING SIGNSfact sheet or, if available, a professionalcounselor for their information. Allow studentsan appropriate amount of time to collect thisinformation.

(continued on next page)© 2007 CWK Network, Inc.

Lesson Plan Grades 9-12I Saw the Signs (cont.)

Warning Signs

For theClassroom

9. Gather back as a class and ask students toshare their research and compare and contrastit to the lists they generated with their partners.

10. Ask the big question, How can you help whenyou see the signs? When would you be willingto help? Why? Have them write a response tothe questions and collect it.

EVALUATION• Did students participate in the discussions?• Did students work with partners to create lists

of warning signs and actions they can take?• Did students complete the research

assignment?• Did students complete the homework

assignment?• Do students understand warning signs and

ways to help themselves and others?

(continued on next page)© 2007 CWK Network, Inc.



Complete each of the sentences by filling in the blank with the appropriate information from yourpersonal experience. Use the back of the sheet if you need more room.



________________________________________ and ______________________________________.



________________________________________ and ______________________________________.



_____________________________________ and ______________________________________.




______________________________________ and ___________________________________________.



_____________________________________ and ______________________________________.



_____________________________________ and ______________________________________.


Discussion Questions

Warning Signs

Opening

1. What is, often times, the most common way children express early warning signs of depression?Why are words often the least likely way they express their pain?

2. Why is it important to intervene when inappropriate behavior takes place even by the youngeststudents, rather than saying he or she will “grow out of it? ”

3. Do you think it takes special training to recognize depression’s warning signs? Why or why not?

Part I

1. Describe Bianca Mendez’s behavior that provided her mom — and mental health consultants —some early warning signs. What could have happened if the warning signs were missed?

2. What is the difference between treating the misbehavior and treating the causes of misbehavior?Which is more successful in the long run? Why?

3. According to the documentary, across America a troubled preschool child is more likely to beexpelled than to receive help. Do you think expelling children from pre-school is appropriate? If youwere the parent of a pre-school child who was being hit or bitten, what would you want the schoolto do with the child hitting or biting your child?

4. Has anyone ever taught you to express your feelings? Explain your answers.

5. Think about some of the ways your behavior changes — your warning signs — when you arefeeling depressed or frustrated. What action might you take when those warning signs appear?

Part II

1. Describe Kyle’s story. In your own words, tell why you think he committed suicide.

2. Consider the warning signs Kyle sent to his family. Do you think they could have done anythingabout them? Explain.

3. There are a lot of emotional ups and downs during the teen years. What teen behaviors might elicitthe “it’s just a phase” comment? Would any of these behaviors send a warning signal to parents ofother issues? What would you say if your parents questioned these types of behaviors?

4. What do you think this section proves? Does it say Karen was a bad mother or that signs aredifficult to read? Should every behavior come under question?

Part III

1. How does peer counseling compare to counseling with a trained adult?

2. How is peer counseling different from simply butting into somebody else’s business?

3. What does “pay it forward” mean? How did Dorothy “pay it forward”? Have you ever done anythingto “pay it forward”? Explain.

4. Would a peer counseling organization work in your school? Why or why not?

© 2007 CWK Network, Inc.(continued on next page)


Discussion Questions (cont.)

Warning Signs

Close

1. Ashley DeLany, Kyle’s sister, suggests that “…if you notice something’s wrong, talk to them.…Whether they come to you or you go to them, you always have to ask and make sure they areOK.” How do you go about doing this? What are some ways you can go to a person to see if he or she is OK? Would you do this for somebody who is not in your circle of friends? Who would youdo this for? Why?

2. Nathanial Donson, the child psychiatrist in the documentary, suggests, “If you look at themisbehaviors as signals, if you look at all these things kids are doing to make trouble as earlywarning signs, you begin to be able to use that as information.” Do you agree with this statementor do you think this is an over-reaction or over-thinking of things? Explain your answer.

3. Explain how reading the warning signs and getting help early may save decades of pain andtrouble for children and for their parents.



For more information

on Connect with Kids or

Warning Signs,

please call (888) 598-KIDS (5437) or

email to [email protected]

Depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide… many health care professionals argue that mental health problems afflict more of

our children today than ever before — and that many of these children are undiagnosed. Experts say that parents, teachers

and even friends need to understand that poor choices or bad behavior just might be a child’s way of saying “I need help.”

One study reports nearly a third of teens say they have felt sad or hopeless for at least two weeks in a row. And the Centers

for Disease Control reports that one in five teens will consider suicide, and one in 10 will make a serious attempt. What are

the warning signs of these illnesses? How can parents help? And how can kids help each other?

This special program was produced by the highly skilled television and educational team at CWK Network, Inc.

Warning Signs

n. a state of emotional well being in which an individual is able to use his or hercognitive and emotional capabilities, function in society, and meet the ordinarydemands of everyday life.

mental health

Phone 1.888.598.KIDS www.connectwithkids.com

(men t́el • helth)e

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CWK WarningSigns RG r1 - Home - Connect with Kids€¦ · · 2012-09-17This resource guide is designed to accompany the video entitled ... emotions and socialization. WHAT WE CAN