This document provides information about situations that can be like "quicksand" for teenagers and lead to suicidal thoughts, such as death, illness, abuse, or bullying. It outlines warning signs of suicide risk and urges teens to contact trusted adults if they notice these signs in friends so the adults can make a referral to help. Teens are encouraged to help their struggling peers by questioning them, persuading them to seek help, and referring them to supportive adults or emergency services if suicide seems imminent.

1. Suicide
Prevention
Teens to the rescue

2. Quicksand

3. Definition
A bad or dangerous situation from
which it is hard to escape.
Loose wet sand that yields easily to
pressure and
sucks in anything resting on or
falling into it.

4. What kind of situations can be quicksand for teenagers?
Death of friends or family members
Loss of any kind
Sickness
Injury
Mental Illness
Substance Abuse
Stress
Anxiety
Fear
Divorce of a parent
Dealing with Failure
Negative Thoughts
Bullying
Abuse
Social Media
Abandonment
Acceptance
Frustration
Disabilities
Self-Esteem

5. Danger Signs
I’m not strong enough
Nothing ever goes right
There seems to be no solutions
I will never feel good or right again
I’m really struggling
Life will never be
good again
I can’t do
this
anymore
I’m stuck
here forever

6. Throw a Rope

7. I don’t want
to live
anymore!
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death.

8. Send in the Rescue Team
If you notice these signs:
● A significant drop in grades
● Losing interest in things previously interested in
(friends, sports, activities, etc.)
● Changes in appearance - not combing hair or
getting ready for the day
● Changes in behavior - isolating one’s self, being
aggressive, risky behavior
● Giving possessions away
● Talking about going away or leaving

9. ● Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
● Feeling extremely sad, lonely, worthless,
guilty, ashamed, anxious, angry
● Any talk, behavior, or changes that you
notice and are concerned about.

10. What Can You Do?
Medical Emergency
Call 911
Emotional Emergency
Make a referral

11. Make a Referral
Refer means to “tell” or to find help
● Contact a trusted adult: It can be a parent, teacher, counselor, religious
leader, coach, or family member
○ Take all threats of suicide seriously
○ Act Immediately

12. What if I'm not Sure?
If someone is having a hard time swimming, when would you notify the lifeguard?
If someone is sinking in quicksand, how long would you wait before assisting them?
If a small child was choking, how long would you wait before calling 911?

13. Don’t Wait - Do Something
It’s the same with an emotional emergency
SOONER is better than LATER
The person might be angry at first, but not forever
If you are trying in “good faith” to help another person you will not get in
trouble

14. Teens to the Rescue
You know your friends
best
You can make a change
You can save a life
You Can Make A Difference
You are important
You can be bold
You are the eyes and ears of the school
You can be a first responder
You are of worth
You can reach out to others
You can be kind

15. Quiz
1. Name five warning signs that may indicate someone is suicidal?
2. Explain what you would do if you thought someone might want to take
their own life?
3. If you were struggling with a difficult problem, name three people you
could turn to for help?

16. References
Quinnett, Ph.D., P. (1995). Question Persuade Refer- Ask a Question Save a Life.
Underwood, L.C.S.W, M., & Kalafat, Ph.D., J. (2009). Lifelines A Suicide Prevention Program . Center
CIty, Minnesota: Hazelden