SUICIDE PREVENTION AND AWARENESS

Myths and Facts

People who talk about suicide won’t really do anything.

Only the mentally ill attempt to die by suicide

Girls attempt suicide more often than boys.

FALSE

FALSE

TRUE

Myths and Facts

Talking openly about suicide increases the chances that they will attempt suicide.

If a person has made up his/her mind, there is nothing that will prevent the suicide.

FALSE

FALSE

National Statistics

It is the 4th ranking cause of death for adolescents.

One young person commits suicide every hour, 57.9 minutes.

Each suicide intimately affects at least 6 other people.

Did You Know…….?

There are WCPSS students who have died by suicide each year.

Of these, some have been middle school students.

Who Can Help?

Anyone who recognizes the warning signs can do something.

WARNING SIGNS OF DEPRESSION

Eating changes (overeating, under eating)

Sleep changes, tired all the time

Change in school work, difficulty

concentrating

Feeling hopeless, worthless, helpless

Changes in personality: sad, irritable,

withdrawn, anxious

Not as interested in normal activities

WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE

Verbal or Written Threats‘I hate my life. I wish I was never born. I’d be better off dead.’ ‘I wish I could go to sleep and never wake up.’‘I can’t take life anymore. There’s no point in going on.’

Themes of death or suicide in artwork or essays

Giving away special possessions

Talking about suicide, previous suicide attempts

Withdrawing from family and friends,

hopelessness

Alcohol/drug use or taking unnecessary risks

WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE

Difficulty eating and sleeping

Physical symptoms or pains

Drop in School Performance

Loss of interest in hobbies, school,

appearance

Self destructive behavior Recent loss, death of a loved one, end of a

romantic relationship.

What can you do?Take the threat seriously.

Listen and show that you care.‘I’m worried about you and how you feel’. ‘I care about you and how you’re holding up’.

Talk openly and ask questions. “Do you have a plan to hurt yourself?”

And most importantly….

Ask for help…tell a counselor, parent, teacher, another adult.

Do Not…

Be sworn to secrecy. You must get support from others to help your friend. This is life and death. An angry friend is better than a dead friend.

Leave him/her alone.

Do not think this is a joke.

Do not try to be a therapist. Get professional help.

What happens when you tell us about a student?

We will talk with the student, family,

and make additional referrals for

counseling if needed.

Questions?