Lets Reverse The Skit

• Lets say John and Tim did not keep their promise to Dave and told a responsible adult:– How do you think Dave would react to John

and Tim ?– Did John and Tim do the wrong thing ?– Why or why not ?

Fastest Growing Killer

• Suicide is the fastest growing killer of the most precious resource in our country

Recent Statistics

• 14 teens complete suicide everyday in the U.S. (x by 4.5)

• Suicide is a common thought to 62% of U.S. adolescents

• Within a typical classroom, it is likely that 3 students ( 2 girls and 1 boy) have made a suicide attempt within the last year

Adolescent Suicides

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10

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1970 1980 1990 2000

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Myths About Teen Suicide

• Youth who talk about suicide rarely attempt it• Talking about suicide will make it happen• The tendency toward suicide is inherited• Teen suicides happen at night• Suicidal people leave notes• If a person wants to die of suicide nothing can stop

him or her• Once a teen has been suicidal he/she is never out of

danger

They Don’t Want To Die

They Just Want Their Pain To Stop

Main Causes of Suicide

• Substance Abuse

• Break up of the family

• Depression

• Feelings of insecurity

• Illness

• Broken love affairs

• Economic conditions - poverty or wealth

Danger Signs• Talking or joking about suicide• Statements about being reunited with a dead loved

one• Statements about hopelessness, worthlessness• Preoccupation with death. In person’s music, art,

writings, literature• Suddenly happier, calmer• Loss of interest in things once cared deeply about• Giving away prized possessions

Danger Signs Continued

• Unusual visiting or calling people one cares about - saying their good byes

• Self destructive behavior (alcohol or other drugs abuse, self injury, mutilation, promiscuity

• Risk taking behaviors (reckless driving, walking in front of traffic, etc.)

• Having several accidents resulting in injury• Obsession with guns and/or knives

How You Can Help• Don’t call them “stupid”• Be a good listener• Don’t suggest that they go and do it• Be aware of fast recoveries• Don’t be sworn to secrecy - tell a responsible adult• Don’t leave your friend alone if they are in an acute

crisis• Remind the person that they can get help for

depression• Help them realize a completed suicide is irreversible

4 Questions That Could Save a Life

• Are you thinking about harming yourself?

• What is going on?

• Where are you experiencing pain?

• What can I do to help?

If A Friend Wants To Talk

• Accept what is said and treat it seriously

• Do not over advise

• Do not preach

• Do not say say “everything will be all right”

• Do not back off or try to delay dealing with your friend

• Do not be sworn to secrecy

Things You May Want to Say to a Friend in Crisis

• I appreciate and value our friendship

• You have a lot to offer the world

• I would miss you

• Help them think about reasons for living!!!!!

If You Are Struggling• The following is what I have observed to be

of great help for teens who are struggling with depression:– Taking advantage of interesting and challenging

opportunities through youth programs, co-curricular activities, and church youth programs

– Getting to know an adult in their life that they admire

– Finding opportunities to build relationships with younger children(reading to them, tutoring, etc.)

Advice from Fellow Teens

• “It is nice to have friends your own age to confide in, but problems get solved faster when you talk to someone with more life experience and wisdom.” (Shawnelle)

• “Negative thinking was a major factor in my depression. Everyone deserves to feel happy - some just have to work harder at it.” (Mackenzie)

Good News

• Depression is treatable.

• The knowledge for treating depression has doubled the last 7 years since it was first treated.

• Depressed teens can significantly get better when they follow the treatment plan.

Asking for Help

• I’m feeling awful, I might depressed

• I am feeling down and don’t care about anything anymore

• I don’t like the way I have been acting lately. I am angry, sad and scared. Maybe I need to see a doctor.

• I need to tell someone how sad and confused I feel.

Another Way to Ask

• Have you ever felt no one cared about you and you weren’t sure why?

• Have you ever felt sad and afraid, like you might be depressed or crazy?

• Did someone ever break up with you and you thought you’d never be happy again?

• Have you ever felt like nothing matters? Like everything is falling apart?

Be Careful What We Say

• Calling people “Gay” It may not mean anything to you, but to a person struggling with sexual orientation issues it is very hurtful

• Teasing people about their weight

• Teasing a student about his parent’s drinking problem

Our Words• Can hurt more than we think they do

• Can hurt far more than we intend them to.

Remember• Everyone has a purpose in life. None of us

are here by mistake

• Someone loves you