8th Grade MEH 3.1

8th GradeMEH 3.1 & 3.2

Objective 3.1Recognize signs and symptoms of hurting self or others.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for teensOf students in grades 6 -8:24% of students who felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more in a row that they stopped doing some usual activities during the past 12 months. 20.8 % seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year13.1 % made a plan about how they would attempt suicide during the past 12 months9.5 % reported attempting suicide

Same risk and protective factors for suicide and other problem behaviors such as drugs, violence, risky sexual behavior

2011 NC Youth Risk Behavior SurveyDepressionDepression is more than the blues or the blahs. It is more than the normal everyday ups and downs.Clinical depression is a medical condition. It is when feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair persist and interfere with a persons ability to function.Many adults and teenagers do not recognize the symptoms of depression in themselves or others.

DepressionDepression affects people of all ages.It will affect more than 19 million people every year.Some people experience only one episode of depression in their entire life, but others may have several episodes of depression.Depression can begin suddenly for no apparent reason, while others can be associated with a life situation.

Warning Signs of SuicideInsomniaChange in eating patterns, either overeating or not eatingDaytime sleepinessAggressive or destructive behaviorRisk-taking behaviorDifficulty concentrating

Loss of interest in activities one used to enjoyDecline in school performance, skipping class, dropping out of activitiesWithdrawal from relationships with friends and family

6Warning Signs of SuicideStatements such as I wish I were dead or No one cares

Planning a suicide attempt or a previous attempt

Giving away prized possessions

A sudden lift in spirits because he or she feels the problem will soon end

Self Hurting BehaviorsSelf-injury is the act of deliberately destroying body tissue, at times to change a way of feeling.It is an intentional act, repetitive, and results in minor to moderate harm without the intent to cause death.Self-injury often occurs in secret person hides the self-injury from others.

Self - Hurting BehaviorsCuttingBurningPin-StickingCarvingScratchingBrandingMarkingHead-banging

Picking and pulling skin and hair Abrasions (scrapes of bruisesBitingHittingBreaking bonesTattooingExcessive body piercing

Why Do They Hurt Themselves?To escape from emotional pain, such as anger or anxietyTo release tensionTo physically express painTo express feelings of emptiness, loneliness, helplessness

An attempt to feel/be more in control To protect themselves from painNot understood by othersTo induce a pleasure state from the endorphins that are released

Signs of Self - Injury Frequent or unexplained scars, cuts, bruises, and burns (often on the arms, thighs, abdomen)Consistent, inappropriate use of clothing to cover scarsGeneral signs of depressionSecretive behavior, spending unusual amounts of time in the bathroom or other isolated areas Social or emotional isolation and disconnectednessSubstance abuse

Signs of Self - Injury Possession of sharp instruments, (razor blades, thumb tacks, pins)Indications of extreme anger, sadness, or painImages of physical harm in class or creative work

Extreme risk-taking behaviors that could result in injuries

Let him or her know that you care and want to help.Acknowledge that your friend has a problem and that the symptoms are serious. Ask about suicide.Convince your friend to ask for help. This may include your talking to a trusted adult.

Giving HelpObjective 3.2Implement a plan for seeking adult help for peers who express symptoms of self-injury or suicidal intent.Warning SignsDecline in school performanceSkipping classDropping out of activitiesAggressive or destructive behaviorInsomniaDaytime sleepinessDifficulty concentrating

Warning SignsLack of energyChanges in eating patterns, either over-eating or not eatingWithdrawal from relationships with friends and familyIsolationFeelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt

Warning SignsRisk taking behaviorChanges in personality or behaviorBeginning to use alcohol or other drugsGiving away prized possessionsStatements, such as I wish I were dead or No one cares

Warning SignsLoss of interest in everyday activities, even things they enjoy doingApathyDeath themes in artwork or written workPlanning a suicide attempt or a previous attemptA sudden lift of spirits because they feel their problems will soon end

Ways to HelpTake any signs or verbal statements seriously.Listen to the person and show him or her that you care.Dont leave the person alone.

Ways to HelpBuild a network of support: Friends Family members Counselors Teachers Faith leaderHealth care provider

Ways to HelpCall a suicide hotline number. Check your local telephone book for a local hotline number.Get professional help.Seek out local agencies that could provide professional counseling services. Seek a trusted adult