Suicide Prevention and Intervention Act 219 · Suicide People who die by suicide usually talk about...

Suicide Prevention and Intervention

Act 219

Barzanna White, S.S.P., Ph.D. – District School Psychologist, Prevention Coordinator, and SCTG Director

What does it mean to be suicidal?

• Suicide is the act of

intentionally taking

one’s own life

voluntarily or

intentionally.

Myths About Depression

• T or F When someone is depressed, that person has no trouble going about their daily life.

• T or F Depression effects everyone the same way.

• T or F You can just snap out of depression.

• T or F Depression looks the same in females and males

The Facts About Depression

• False Depression is more common than AIDS, cancer, and diabetes combined and impacts people in different ways. Many find it hard to do routine tasks and they may not recognize they are depressed.

• False Although there are common signs and symptoms, everyone experiences Depression differently.

• False Depression is a real and it typically requires treatment…medication, and counseling to help an individual effectively.

• False Some depression symptoms like anger and irritability may be more common in males. Although depression

runs in families, there are other factors at play…death and loss, certain medication, personal problems, etc.

Test Your Knowledge About

Suicide

• T or F There is a time of the year when

suicides are most

common.

Fact

• True Most people think suicides are most

common during the holidays, but the Spring

is the peak for suicides. Suicides are lowest

in December.


Suicide

• T or F The greater the elevation of a person’s

home, the higher the risk for suicide

according to a 2011 study.

Fact

• True Suicide rates are about 70% higher in

homes with elevations 2000 meters in

elevation compared to sea level and the

study controlled for gun ownership and

population density.


Suicide

• T or F Suicides of teenagers make more

headlines but adults are more likely to

take their own lives.

Fact

• True This is a tricky statement. Adults who die

by suicide (ages 45-54, 19.72 per 100,000;

ages 85 and over, 19 per 100,000; ages 15 –

24, 13.15 per 100,000). It’s the second

leading cause of death for ages 15-24!

Check Your Knowledge

About Suicide

• T or F Whites are more likely to commit suicide.

Facts About Suicide

• True Whites, 15.17 per 100,000; Native

Americans, 13.37 per 100,000; and all other

groups, 6 per 100,000.

Check Your Knowledge About

Suicide

• T or F Writing style may be linked to suicide.

Fact

• True Writing style may be one possible indicator of

depression. Creativity, depression, and suicide

have long been linked, so it may come as no

surprise that some of history’s most creative

individuals suffered from a mental illness.

Depression affected great minds such as Charles

Dickens, Keats, and Tennessee Williams.

• Several favorite writers committed suicide including Ernest

Hemingway, Sylvia Plath, and David Forest Wallace. These

individual’s also wrote in first person.

Check Your Knowledge About

Suicide

• T or F Depression is always the cause of suicide.

Fact

• False Two out of every three people who commit

suicide are depressed by the time they take their

life. However, alcoholism plays a role in 1 in 3

completed suicides.

• Major depression is the psychiatric diagnosis most

commonly associated with suicide and has about

20 times the risk found in the general population.


Suicide

• T or F Your family affects your risk.

Fact

• True A family history of depression increases

the risk a child will suffer the same by a

factor of 11.

• Protective factors such as family

connectedness, great friends and a strong

social support network are known to lower

suicide risk.


Suicide

• T or F Poor countries have higher suicide rates.

Fact

• False Many rich countries have higher suicide rates

than developing nations.


Suicide

• T or F Most suicide attempts fail.

Fact

• True Only 1 in every 10 to 25 attempts results in

death. The rate is reduced more when the

means (guns, pills, etc.) are taken away.


Suicide

• T or F Suicides are more common than in the past.

Fact

• It depends! Suicides in the U.S. have remained relatively

constant over the past several decades. However, youth

between the ages of 15-24 are more than twice as likely

to commit suicide today compared to 50 years ago.

That’s a 60% increase in the last 45 years according to

the World Health Organization.


Suicide

• T or F Getting appropriate help/treatment reduces

risk.

Fact

• True If you successfully treat depression, suicidal

ideation declines. Note: Anti-depressants can

raise the risk of suicide among patients under the

age of 25 during the first few weeks of therapy so

monitoring is critical!


Suicide

• T or F Suicides are more common on weekends.

Fact

• False The Center for Disease Control found the

highest number of suicides occurred on

Mondays and Tuesdays.


Suicide

• T or F Males are at greater risk.

Fact

• True While females are three times more likely

than males to attempt suicide, males are

four times more likely to actually kill

themselves.

Additional Myths

About Suicide

• People who talk about suicide are just trying to get attention.

• People who talk about wanting to die by suicide do not try to kill themselves.

• Suicide always occurs without any warning signs.

• Suicide only strikes people of a certain gender, race, financial status, age, etc.

• People who attempt suicide and survive will not attempt suicide again.

Additional Facts about

Suicide

People who die by suicide usually talk about it first. They are inpain and oftentimes reach out for help because they do not knowwhat to do and have lost hope. Any time someone talks aboutsuicide, it should be taken seriously.

People who talk about wanting to die by suicide often killthemselves, especially without intervention.

There are almost always warning signs.

Suicide can strike anyone.

People who attempt suicide and survive will often makeadditional attempts.

Why is Suicide a Public Health

Problem?

• After cancer and heartdisease, suicide accountsfor more years of life lostthan any other cause ofdeath.

Statistics

• In 2017 (the most recent year forwhich full data are available),41,173 suicides were reported,making suicide the 10th leadingcause of death for Americans.

• In that year, someone in thecountry died by suicide every 12.8minutes.

• There were an estimated 1,400,000suicide attempts in 2017.

Facts about Suicide in the U.S.

• 14.0 per 100,000

• Rate of suicide is highest in middle-age white men. They accounted for 69.67% of suicide deaths in 2017.

• In 2017, men died by suicide 3.54 times more often than women.

• On average, there are 129 suicides every day.

(American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 2019)

Most Common Suicide

Methods

In 2017, firearms were the most common method of death bysuicide, accounting for a little more than half (50.57%) of allsuicide deaths. Currently, firearms are involved in 56% ofmale suicides and 30% of female suicides.

The next most common method was suffocation (includinghangings) at 24.5% Hanging or other means of suffocationare used in about 25% of both male and female suicides.

Among U.S. women, the most common suicide methodinvolves poisonous substances. Poisoning accounts for 37% offemale suicides, especially overdoses of medications,compared to only 12% of male suicides.

Methods of Suicide

• Falls

• Cutting/Stabbing

• Drowning

• Inhaling Carbon Monoxide

• Electrocution

• Vehicular Impact

• Freezing

• Exsanguination

Behavioral Risk Factors

Changes in eating or sleeping patternsWithdrawal from friends, familyIncrease in drug or alcohol useDifficulty concentrating/school problemsUnusual neglect of personal appearanceIncreased opposition to authority and rulesRisk taking behaviorsGiving away prized possessionsThemes of death, dying, or violence in talk,

music, drawings, writings, etc.PerfectionismTeens: violent actions, rebellious behavior, or running

away

Need More Information…

• A comprehensive document can be found on the

Caddo Parish Schools website for staff (Suicide

Prevention Manual – Developed by Dr. White for the

Louisiana State Department of Education and

modeled after the SAMHSA Toolkit).

• This document includes additional information on

bullying, teen trends, suicide, non-suicidal self injury,

and more.

Louisiana Statistics

• On average, one person dies by suicide every 12

hours in Louisiana.

• More than three times as many people died by

suicide in Louisiana in 2017 than in alcohol related

motor vehicle accidents.

• It’s the 11th leading cause of death in Louisiana

(AFSP, 2019)

Louisiana Statistics

• 3rd leading cause of death (ages 15-34)

• 4th leading cause of death (ages 35-44)



• 17th leading cause of death (ages 65 and older)

Louisiana v. National

Statistics

• Number of deaths by suicide: 720 v. 47,173

• Rate per 100,000population: 15.18 v. 14.00

• State rank: 28

(AFSP, 2019)

Suicidal Ideation & Social

Media

• Vast information on the topic of suicide isavailable on the Internet and via social media.

• There are several specific ways that social mediacan increase risk for pro-suicide behavior. Cyber-bullying and cyber harassment, for example, areserious and prevalent problems

• Unfortunately, the Internet has also provided away for people to obtain detailed descriptions ofhow to commit suicide including the use of lethalmeans.

Social Media and Suicide

Movies with Suicide

Themes

• The Perks of Being a Wallflower

• Suicide Room

• It’s Kind of a Funny Story

• Dead Poets Society

• It’s Kind of a Funny Story

• Girl, Interrupted

• The Virgin Suicides

• A Girl Like Her

Continued

• Wrist cutters: A Love Story

• Seven Pounds

• Heathers

• Chatroom

• Ordinary People

• Romeo and Juliet

• It’s a Wonderful Life

• Leaving Las Vegas

• …and many more

Songs and Suicide

Songs with Suicide

Themes

• Jamestown Story – Goodbye (I’m Sorry)

• Green Day – Boulevard of Broken Dreams

• James Taylor – Fire and Rain

• Billy Joel – You’re Only Human

• Brandi Carlisle – That Year

• Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss –Whiskey Lullaby

Suicide Prevention /Help

Songs

• The Fray – How to Save a Life

• Nickelback – Lullaby

• Rascal Flatts – Why

• R.E.M. – Everybody Hurts

• Smile Empty Soul – Stay Alive

• Creed – One Last Breath

• Third Eye Blind - Jumper

Who is at risk for

Suicide?

• EVERYONE

Self Injury doesn’t mean

suicidalSelf-Injury is also termed self-mutilation, self-harm or self-abuse. The behavior is defined as the deliberate, repetitive, impulsive, non-lethal harming of oneself.

Cutting

Scratching

Picking scabs or interfering with wound healing

Burning

Punching self or objects

Infecting oneself

Inserting objects in body opening

Bruising or breaking bones

Some forms of hair pulling

Other various forms of bodily harm

For more information about non-suicidal self-injury, a comprehensive document can be found on the Caddo Parish Schools website for staff (Suicide Prevention Manual – Developed by Dr. White for the Louisiana State Department of Education and modeled after the SAMHSA Toolkit).

Bullycide

• Bullycide is a term used to identify those children/teens who werevictims of bullying and became so emotionally distressed that theycommitted suicide.

• Several environmental risk factors and risk behaviors wereassociated with suicidal thinking and behavior among youthinvolved in bullying.

• Approximately 22% of frequent perpetrators, 29% of frequentvictims, and 38% of frequent bully-victims reported suicidalthinking or a suicide attempt during the past year.

Things to Consider…

• Besides the risk of suicide, long-term exposure to bullying also can increase the chance of homicide.

• So what’s your role in making sure students are protected?

• Are you doing enough?

• Should you do more?

• What if it was your child? How would you want staff to intervene?

Prevention is Key!

• Listen carefully

• Don’t be judgmental

• Provide comfort

• Call for help

Steps towards Intervention

• Genuinely begin by telling the suicidal person you are concerned aboutthem.

• Tell them specifically what they have said or done that makes you feelconcerned about suicide .

• Don't be afraid to ask whether the person is considering suicide andwhether they have a particular plan or method in mind. These questionswill not push them toward suicide.

• Stay with the child and immediately seek assistance from your schoolcounselor. They will address concerns, assess the situation, contact theparent, and contact Dr. Barzanna White.

• Do not try to argue someone out of suicide. Instead, let them know that youcare. Tell them that they are not alone and that they can get help. Focus onthe fact that “This is treatable!” Avoid pleading and preaching to them withstatements such as, “You have so much to live for,” or “Your suicide willhurt your family.”

Ask the Tough Question…It

Might Save Their Life!

• Are you thinking about killing yourself?

• Do you have a plan? If so, ask about when, where, how, etc.?

Is the student…

• Obsessed with suicidal means?

• Fascinated with death and dying?

• Making suicidal statements (direct or indirect)?

• Drafting suicidal letters, drawings or music?

• Focusing on methods of suicide (collecting or working to obtain knives, pills, ropes, guns, etc.)?

• Threatening to harm others?

What is a Suicide Crisis?

If the person is talking about imminent or specific plans for suicide, this is a crisis requiringimmediate attention. Do not leave the person alone.

Do not put yourself in harms way. But if it’s safe to do so…remove any firearms, medications, orsharp objects that could be used for suicide from the area.

Take the person to a walk-in clinic at a psychiatric hospital or a hospital emergency room.

If these options are not available, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for assistance.

NWLA Local Number: 1-877-994-2275

Text: 741741

Or ask Siri!

Help is a Phone Call Away!

Closing Thoughts

Questions?

• Contact Information:

• Dr. Barzanna White, District Sch. Psychologist,

Prevention Coordinator, and SCTG Director

• 318-603-6484

• [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

References

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (2019). Suicide facts and figures: Louisiana 2019. www.afsp.org/StateFacts.

• Bertolote J.M. & Fleischmann A. (2002). Suicide and psychiatric diagnosis: a worldwide perspective. World Psychiatry, 1(3): 181–5.

• Bohanna I. & Wang X. (2012). Media guidelines for the responsible reporting of suicide: a review of effectiveness. Crisis: Journal of Crisis Intervention & Suicide, 33(4): 190–8

• Carter G.L., Child C., Page A., Clover K., Taylor R. (2007). Modifiable risk factors for attempted suicide in Australian clinical and community samples. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 37: 671–80.

• Yip P.S., Caine E., Yousuf S., Chang S.S., Wu K.C., Chen Y.Y. (2012). Means restriction for suicide prevention. Lancet, 379(9834): 2393–9

References

• Copeland W.E., Angold A., Costello E.J. Egger H. (2013). Prevalence, comorbidity, and correlates of DSM-5 proposed disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 170: 173–9.

• de Leo D. & Heller T. (2008). Social modeling in the transmission of suicidality. Crisis: Journal of Crisis Intervention & Suicide, 29(1): 11–9.

• Jenkins G.R., Hale R., Papanastassiou M., Crawford M.J., Tyrer P. (2002). Suicide rate 22 years after parasuicide: cohort study. BMJ, 325(7373): 1155.

• Juel-Nielsen N. & Videbech T. (1970). A twin study of suicide. Acta Geneticae Medicae et Gemellologiae, 19(1): 307–10.

References

• Klomek A.B., et al. (2011). High school bullying as a risk for later depression and suicidality. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 41(5): 501–16.

• Lester D. (2002). Twin studies of suicidal behavior. Archives of Suicide Research, 6: 338–389.

• Luoma J.B., Martin C.E., Pearson J.L. (2002). Contact with mental health and primary care providers before suicide: a review of the evidence. American Journal of Psychiatry, 159(6): 909–16.

References

• Mann J.J. & Currier D. (2012). Neurobiology of Suicidal Behavior. In R.I. Simon & R.E. Hales (Eds.), The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Suicide Assessment and Management (481–500).

• Roy A., Segal N.L., Centerwall B.S. & Robinette C.D. (1991). Suicide in twins. Archives of General Psychiatry, 48(1): 29–32.

• Sisask M. & Värnik A. (2012). Media roles in suicide prevention: a systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 9(1): 123–38.

• Tidemalm D., Langstrom N., Lichtenstein P., Runeson B. (2008). Risk of suicide after suicide attempt according to coexisting psychiatric disorder: Swedish cohort study with long term follow-up. BMJ: 337, a2205.

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