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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