This document discusses suicide awareness and prevention. It covers signs and symptoms of suicide like losing interest in activities or giving away possessions. Risk factors include family history of suicide, chronic illnesses, substance abuse and psychiatric disorders. Statistics show that most people communicate their suicidal intentions and that while more men die by suicide, women attempt it more. The document provides advice on what to do if someone shows signs of suicidal thoughts, like asking them directly but in a caring way, removing means of suicide, and seeking help through hotlines or support groups.

1. Suicide Awareness & Prevention Celine Mazoyer Megan Holyoke Christen Jancola

2. Questions to get you thinking Can you name a few signs and symptoms of suicide? Who do you think suicide affects? What are some things you could do to help someone who is contemplating suicide?

3. Risks that contribute to suicidal behaviors Family history of suicide Suffering from chronic illnesses Alcohol/other substance abuse Chronic sleep disturbances Lack of social support systems Loss of home, job, status, money, etc. History of significant loss Impulsivity Psychiatric disorders Genetic predisposition

4. It’s very difficult to predict who will kill themselves since most people who commit suicide do not communicate their intentions. True or False? False. The notion that people who talk about their suicide do not kill themselves is a myth. An overwhelming 75% of people who commit suicide communicate their intentions before taking their lives. Most suicidal warnings are verbal or behavioral, while only 15% involve leaving notes.

5. Extraordinary aggressiveness and hostility, hyperactivity, sexual promiscuity, and extreme risk-taking are often signs of impending suicidal attempts. True or False? True.Even though these behaviors are very dissimilar to stereotypical pre-suicide behaviors like isolation, despair, depression, and apathy, they are serious red flags that are also associated with a young person's suicidal thinking and behavior

6. Signs & Symptoms Lose interest in prior activities or relationships Prepare for death by giving away prized possessions, making a will, or putting other affairs in order Withdraw from those around them Change in habits such as: Eating Sleeping Drug/alcohol use Hygiene

7. Signs & Symptoms cont. Makes indirect statements about death Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and powerlessness Pessimism Lack of motivation Inability to tolerate frustration Preoccupation with death The risk of suicide may be greatest as depression lifts because they now have the energy to commit the act

8. Statistics 75% of people communicate their intentions of suicide

9. Statistics In 2006 11.2% of the United States’ population died as a result of suicide

10. Statistics In 2006 12.7% of Washington’s population died from suicide

11. Statistics 17.9% of men commit suicide

12. Statistics 4.6% of females commit suicide

13. Statistics While more males succeed in suicide, females attempt suicide 3 times more often than males It is estimated that a woman takes her own life every 90 minutes, but one woman attempts suicide every 78 seconds.

14. It may be helpful to ask a person who appears overly depressed, withdrawn, or grief-stricken whether she has ever considered suicide as a solution to her problems. True or False? True. For a child in these exaggerated, emotionally distressed states, bringing up suicide does not encourage her to kill herself. On the contrary, raising the question of suicide encourages a young person to talk about suicide and shows that you recognize the depth of her pain. In all major youth suicide surveys, the majority of youngsters report having considered suicide as an option. Asking also shows the person that you care about them.

15. Most young people who commit suicide have made a clear decision that death is their best option. True or False? False. Most young people who kill themselves are in a state of pronounced conflict and confusion over whether to commit suicide. They are all sure, however, that they desperately want an end to their emotional suffering. There are many more suicidal attempts than there are successful suicides. 80 percent of completed suicides have made one or more previous attempts.

16. What to do if someone is showing signs of depression and/or suicide? Things to consider immediately: Remember PLAID Plan? Lethality? Availability? Illness? Depression?

17. 9 Things to Remember Acknowledge and accept their feelings Be an active listener Try to give them hope and remind them that what they are feeling is temporary Be there for them Show love and encouragement

18. Things to Remember cont. Pamper them Help them get help Remove means of suicide Remove any children from the situation

19. Services Family & Friends Should be first and most important support system Websites Private agency Government funded Personal websites Hotlines Volunteer-based Government funded Support Groups Private agencies

20. Places to Turn for Help 9-1-1 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) 24 hour hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) 24 hour hotline Counseling.suite101.com

21. Video Terry Wise Story

22. AWARENESS