Suicide Prevention

The 3rd leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds.

Suicide Lesson Objectives

1. Identify 3 behavioral warning signs of suicide.2. Identify 3 verbal warning signs of suicide.3. Explain how to help a friend that is contemplating

suicide.4. Identify 3 stressful situations that might lead to

suicide. 5. Identify 3 risk factors of suicide.

Upon completion of the lesson students should be able to…

2010

15 - 243rd leading cause of death

4,600

All Ages10th leading cause of

death

38,364

Young Adults 15-24 are about

12% of all suicides

Suicide StatisticsYear All ages US 15-24 Yr. Olds 14-18 Yr. Olds

High School Age

2011

2010 38,364 4,600 1,297

2009 36,909 4,371 1,310

2008 36,035 4,298 1,231

2007 34,598 4,140 1,124

2006 33,300 4,189 1,183

2005 32,637 4,212 1,267

Feelings• Depression

–Feelings of hopelessness & helplessness

• Alienation–Feeling isolated, alone

Situations• Divorce/separation/breakup• Being bullied• Death• Extreme stress• Questioning sexuality• Disease • $ problems

Risk Factors• Abusing drugs/alcohol• Abuse (child, relationship)• Violence & aggression• Prior suicide attempts• Family history of mental disorders• Jail time• Exposure to other suicides

Verbal Warning Signs• “I want to die.”• “I wish I were dead.”• “Nothing matters.”• “They’ll be sorry when I’m gone.”• “I won’t be a problem for you much

longer.”

these are Cries for help…

Does anyone care?

Behavioral Warning Signs• Lack of energy • Giving away possessions• Settling affairs• Withdrawal from friends, social activities• Increased risk-taking = Accidents• Running away• Change in appearance• Purchase of weapons, pills or other

suspicious items

accidents

running away

3 Underlying Causes of Suicide

The tragic fact is that the conditions leading to suicide are almost always

treatable.

With help, most people suffering from depression, extreme stress, or mental disorders can often find

new levels of purpose and happiness.

Helping Others• Take any & all talk of potential suicide

seriously– Show support, be calm & understanding

• Stress the TEMPORARY nature of the problems and feelings

• Emphasize that suicide is not the answer– Most survivors later express gratitude

that they did not die

Helping Others• Don’t leave them alone if you feel the

threat is immediate• Suggest they talk to a parent, trusted

adult, trained professional– McHenry County Crisis Line (800-892-8900)

Helping Others• DO NOT “keep a secret”

– They might get mad at you, but consider the guilt you might feel if something happened

– Remember it is life and death we’re talking about…it needs to be taken seriously

• Which adults could you tell at HHS?• Guidance counselor, social worker,

administrator, teacher…

What not to do!• Don’t try to handle it alone• Don’t ignore them or change the

subject• Don’t suggest alcohol or drugs as a

solution– Many people commit suicide when under the

influence of drugs• “Hey lets blow off steam and go have a drink…Then you’ll

feel better.”

they see it as the ONLY way to solve their problems.

The majority of teenagers attempt suicide because…

Tunnel Vision

Extra Slides

Multiple Suicides• Cluster suicides

– Rash of suicides occurring within a short space of time and involving several people in the same school or community.

• Suicide pacts– Agreements to take part in t joint suicide– When pact fails, overwhelming guilt if felt by

the survivor

Other• Chronic Suicide

– Conditions where a person is slowly but surely committing suicide• Excessive drug use• Eating disorders

• Accidental Suicide– Not intentional