2. Purpose of our presentation
We will be presenting
information regarding
suicide prevention.
This will be a short
presentation, and we can
address questions privately
following the presentation.
3. • Let's respect the range of
emotions in this room.
• Everyone deals with grief
and loss in their own time
and in their own place.
• 60% of people in their
lifetime will be effected by
suicide.
4. As you know, we have
had a suicide and we
want to prevent one in
the future.
Suicide is not a solution.
5. Facts
• 90% of suicides are the result of
diagnosed or undiagnosed
mental health issues such as
depression, anxiety, or addiction
and substance abuse.
• It is important to reach out for
help.
• At any time 1 in 4 people have a
mental health issue.
6. Signs and symptoms to be aware of:
• Changes – in sleep, appetite, mood, energy
level.
• Previous or recurrent thoughts of death or
suicide
• Decreased concentration, memory,
decisiveness
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• Feelings of shame/guilt
• Increased anxiety, agitation or restlessness
• Taking unnecessary risks (sex, drinking or
substance abuse, driving fast)
7. Signs and symptoms (continued)
• Talking about committing suicide.
• Withdrawing from friends, social
activities, or hobbies.
• Losing interest in hobbies, school, and
personal appearance.
• Giving away prized possessions.
• Saying “goodbye” to friends or family.
• Statements about wanting to be with
deceased loved ones.
8. More warning signs…
SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
Posts on Facebook or Twitter that
reflect extreme sadness or
hopelessness (such as: “Life is not
worth living,” “I give up,” “People
would be better off without me,” or
“Everyone hates me.”)
Unexpectedly closing down
Facebook or Twitter accounts.
9. What to do if you notice
signs or symptoms…
• Identify 3 adults you could go to
(parent, friend's parent, aunt or
uncle, grandparent, coach, teacher, counsel
or).
• If you don't get the response that you want or
need, you need to seek out another adult!
• As soon as you see or hear something, tell
your parents or a trusted adult.
• Don't wait for someone else and if you see
something online at night, don't wait for
morning.
• Another great resource to use if you are in
crisis is the hotline or crisischat.org
10. What if you promised your friend that
you would keep a secret?
Even if your friend asks you not to say
something, you still need to tell an adult!
We are professionals, and we will protect
your identity.
Chances are you are not the only one
who knows the secret.
The result of keeping a secret is that your
friend might be dead.
Is it better to have a living
friend who is mad than the
regret of not saying something.
11. You all matter.
We care about you.
We are here for you.
Summer is coming, come talk to
us now. We can set you up with
resources to use during the
summer.
12. What’s next…
We will be continuing this
conversation more.
As time goes on, we will present
more educational tools about
mental health issues for
students, staff, and parents.
A copy of this presentation and
more resources will be sent to
your parents and are available
on the District website.
13. GET OUT YOUR PHONES,
and put in this hotline number!
