Prevention Harm: Suicide/Depressi

onHB 1386

Preventing Harm: Suicide/Depression

O When Life just happens:O DivorceO Someone you care

about diesO Difficult home lifeO Dating relationship

ends in a breakupO Problems in a

friendship or social group

O Family experiences financial problems

Preventing Harm Everyone feels sad or down sometimes. If you have overwhelming feelings of despair that last for more than two weeks, depression can be the cause.

Preventing HarmO Depression

O Signs and Symptoms:O Feeling overwhelmed

by lifeO Feeling worthless or

hopelessO Loss of interest in

things/activatesO Lack of energyO Forgetfulness and not

being able to concentrate

O Changes in eating and sleeping habits

Preventing HarmO Other Warning Signs of

Depression:O Tearful and

frequent cryingO Restlessness and

agitationO Feelings of

worthlessness and guilt

O Lack of motivation and enthusiasm

Emotionally and Physically Healthy

O Remember that feeling sad or depressed is a normal part of life

O Tips to meet your emotional and physical needs1) We need both emotional

and physical care to strike a good balance.

2) Keep it simple

Emotionally and Physically Healthy

O Simple Steps to staying emotionally and physically healthy:O Balancing both (emotional and physical)O Physical:

OEating habitsOSleep habitsOH2O (water)OOutside

Preventing HarmO What to do if I get

depressed:O Learn about

depressionO Get helpO Find a trusted adultO See a doctorO Stay healthyO Get involvedO Tell someone if you

feel suicidal

SuicideO Suicide is the third leading cause of

death among youth aged 10-24.O Youth and students that use alcohol

or tobacco are at an elevated risk and illicit drug use further compounds the risk for suicide.

O Studies show that 90 percent of the individuals that complete suicide had a diagnosable mental health issue. (cdc.gov)

MythsPeople who talk about suicide won't really do it.Only crazy people commit suicide.Talking about suicide may give someone the idea to commit suicide.If a person is determined to kill him/herself, nothing is going to stop him/her.People who attempt suicide are just trying to get attention.No one I know would commit suicide.

Warning SignsO Noticeable change in behavior. O Signs of depression (sleeping problems, change in appetite, feelings of

hopelessness, etc.) O Alcohol or drug abuse. O Obsession with death. O Decline in performance or participation in activities. O Suicidal gesturing or reckless behavior. O Giving away prized possessions. O Unusual purchases (weapon, rope, pills). O Sudden happiness after a prolonged depression. O Talking about suicide or dying. O Withdrawal from friends or family. O Previous suicide attempts. O Statements about hopelessness, worthlessness, helplessness. O Inability to concentrate or trouble remembering. O Chronic pain or frequent complaints of physical symptoms.

TriggersO Being bulliedO Break up with girlfriend/boyfriendO Death of a parent or any important

personO DivorceO Being ridiculed by peers/not being

acceptedO A humiliating experienceO Contagion

What can you do?O Listen and express concern in a non-

judgmental way. O Take action. - get them connected

with professional help. O Ask questions openly (e.g., "Do you

have a plan?" "Will you talk with someone who can help?")

O Show that you care. O Take suicide threats seriously.

What not to doO Do NOT keep it a secret. O Do NOT sidestep the issue or treat it

lightly. O Do NOT leave the person alone. O Do NOT offer simple solutions. O Do NOT judge. O Do NOT offer or suggest drugs or alcohol. O Do NOT try to be a therapist - get

professional help.

Get Help1. DO NOT LEAVE THE PERSON AT

RISK ALONE!2. Find a trusted adult to assist

IMMEDIATELY. This can be a teacher, coach, counselor, parent or church staff.

3. Calling a hotline is appropriate as well.

4. If you are the person having thoughts, follow these same guidelines.

How can I maintain my emotional health?

O Finding ways to be connected to your family and school.

O Being involved to create a safer school.O Finding ways to enhance self-esteem.O Working toward academic achievement. O Developing positive relationships with peers at

school and other places.O Be willing to ask for help when needed.O Finding opportunities to be responsible for others

(volunteering or taking care of pets).O Taking time each day to do something positive for

yourself.

Preventing Harm

There is Help and there is Hope!You don’t have to go through it alone.

Resources:O Parent or trusted adult

O School counselor/TeacherO 1(800) 762-0157

O 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255)O Dial 911

References and Resources

Your BMMS teachers, coaches, principals, counselors and staff.A trusted adultDenton County MHMR - 24 Hour Crisis Hotline – 1-800- 762-0157 or TTY – 1-800-269-6233National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or TTY 1-800-799-4889www.EndTeenSuicide.orgAmerican Association of Suicidology – www.suicidology.orgAmerican Foundation for Suicide Prevention – www.afsp.orgMental Health America of Texas – www.mhatexas.orgNational Institute for Mental Health – www.nimh.nih.govSuicide Prevention Resource Center – www.sprc.orgwww.TexasSuicidePrevention.org