Download - Stopping the Tide of Suicide
Stopping the Tide of Suicide
By : Maria Keane
WELCOME
OVERVIEW OF PRESENTATION
SUICIDE STATISTICS
WARNING SIGNS
RISK FACTORS
MYTHS & FACTS OF SUICIDE
SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
SUICIDAL TRIGGERS
SUICIDE PREVENTION IN SCHOOLS
Suicide Statistics
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 20100
100
200
300
400
500
600
451 444 457 442405
460429
527486
Number Suicides Per Year In Ireland
Ref: C.S.O.
SUICIDE STATISTICS
Suicide Statistics
Overall Male Female0
100
200
300
400
500
600
527
422
105
Male Vs Female Suicides in ROI 2009
Ref: C.S.O.
SUICIDE STATISTICS
Suicide Statistics
10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85+0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Male Vs Female Suicides 2002-2007 per 100,000 popu-lation by 5Yr age group.
MaleFemale
Nu
mb
er o
f P
eop
le
Ref: C.S.O.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE - Aware Statistics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsLsRB8W8yo
Warning Signs - General
Giving away
possessions
Becoming Isolated
Talking about suicide
Sudden changes in mood & behaviour
Making final
arrangementsDeliberate self harm
Drug & Alcohol abuse
Warning Signs - School Environment
Worthlessness
Withdrawal from friends & family
Student Violence / police involvement
Significant weight loss or gain
Loss of interest in activities
Sudden decline in grades
Repeated absence
Misconduct Over reaction to criticism
Anger, rage, anxiety
Lack of concentration
Suicidal thoughts
Risk Factors Which Predispose Teens to Suicide
Family history of
Suicide
High Stress
Traumatic childhood experience
History of abuse
Low self esteem
Loss of Parent
Previous Suicidal
Behaviour
Social Isolation
Psychiatric disorder
Myths & Facts of SuicideMyth - “If someone is going to kill themselves there is
nothing you can do about it”
Fact : If you can offer appropriate help and emotional support to people who are experiencing severe distress and unhappiness then you can reduce their risk of suicide.
Myth - “People who are suicidal are fully intent on dying”
Fact : Many who experience suicidal thoughts do not really want to die. They simply cannot see a way to go on living with emotional distress .
Myths & Facts of SuicideMyth - “She killed herself because she was worried
about her exam results”
Fact : Not to talk about suicide makes it harder for someone to open up about their feelings and could prevent them finding a way forward
Myth - “Talking about Suicide encourages it”
Fact : No one takes their life for one single reason. Each person make decisions based on
individual set of circumstances unique to them.
Myth & Facts of SuicideMyth – “The suicidal person never mentions that they are thinking of committing suicide”
Myth – “Once a person is suicidal, they are suicidal forever”
Fact – “People can and do feel different about suicide if they receive time and space where they feel supported to examine all their options.”
Fact: “Research shows - 80% of people who take their own lives have mentioned it to a confidante prior to their death.”
“Every one will be better off without me”
“I won’t be needing these things anymore”
“I wish I was dead”
“ I can’t do anything right”
“All my problems will end soon”
“I can’t think straight anymore”
SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
“No one can help me now”
“I can’t take it anymore”
Suicide Triggers
Concerns about Sexuality
Unwanted Pregnancy
Any form of abuse
Death of a loved one (especially to suicide)
Loss
Fight with loved one
Poor grades
Fear of Punishment
Bullying and Victimisation
General Prevention at School1) Foster a positive mental health approach.
2) Strengthen the mental health of School Teachers & Staff.
3) Strengthen students’ self-esteem.
4) Introduce training in life skills.
5) Convey knowledge to peers on how to be supportive and seek adult help if necessary.
6) Promote the stability and continuity of students schooling.
8) Promote emotional expression – to confide in teachers, parents etc.
7) Prevent Bullying and violence in schools & run the Cool School Programme
9) Provide support & information about care services. Guest Speakers.
10) Trustful communications.
11) Referral of distressed / suicidal students
General Prevention at School
WHAT TO DO - IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN SUICIDAL CRISIS
LISTEN CAREFULLY AND EMPATHISE
CONNECT WITH THE PERSON
TAKE THE PERSON SERIOUSLY
CALMLY ASK ABOUT SUICIDE e.g.“I am worried about you. Are you thinking of Suicide?”“Are you feeling suicidal?”
ASK THEM TO MAKE A “ SAFE PLAN” CONTRACT WITH YOU and GET HELP
OFFER SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE HOPE.
WHAT TO DO - IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN SUICIDAL CRISIS
Ring a Helpline;
1Life Suicide Prevention Helpline - Free phone 1-800-24-7-100
Aware - Helpline – 1890 303 302
Samaritans- Helpline – 1850 609 090
Console – Helpline 1800 201 890
Teen-line Ireland - Free phone 1800 833 634
Pieta House – Centre for Prevention of Self harm and Suicide (01) 601000
SOS ( Suicide or Survive) - 0402 41487
MINDING YOURSESLF
THANK YOU
THE END
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