Transcript Youth Suicide: Warning Signs

Youth Suicide:
Prevention Works!
Presented by:
Sue Eastgard, MSW
Director, Youth Suicide Prevention Program of
Washington State
www.yspp.org
Youth Suicide: The Facts
• An average of 2 youth between the ages of 10
and 24 kill themselves each week in
Washington State
• In a recent state survey, more than one in
every 10 high school students reported
having attempted suicide; nearly one in four
(20% - 25%) had seriously considered it
• Youth suicide outnumber youth homicides
Number of suicides vs. number
of attempts
Washington State youth (2001-2005)
2500
2000
1500
Suicides
Attempts
1000
500
0
10-14
15-19
20-24
The Point is
• We need to be concerned about youth
who complete suicide as well as those
who make suicide attempts
Males complete suicide more often
than females
Washington State youth (2001-2005)
Average rate per 100,000
25.0
20.0
15.0
Females
Males
10.0
5.0
0.0
10-14
15-19
20-24
The Point is
• Boys and young men are at higher risk of
dying by suicide because:
– They choose more lethal means
– They are less likely to seek help
– They are socialized to solve problems
Females are more likely to be
hospitalized for suicidal behavior
than males
Number of attempted suicides
Washington State youth (2001-2005)
1600
1400
1200
1000
Female
Male
800
600
400
200
0
10-14
15-19
20-24
The Point is
• Girls and young women are much more
likely to be hospitalized for suicidal
behavior because:
– They talk and tell others
– They give us the opportunity to intervene
Males use more immediate & less
reversible means than females
Washington State youth ages 10-24 (2001-2005)
Males
Females
Fall/Jump Other
Transportation
Fall/Jump
Poisoning
Poisoning
Gun
Suffocation
Suffocation
Gun
N= 414
N=92
The Point is
• The most common ways in which males
and females end their lives are the
same: guns and hanging
Rate of suicides by race/ethnicity
Rate of suicides per 100,000
Washington State youth 10-24 (2001-2005)
20
15
10
5
0
White
African
American
Native
American
Asian
Hispanic
Child & Adolescent Depression:
The Facts
• One in every 33 children may have
depression
• The rate of depression for adolescents may
be as high as 1 in 8
• The majority of children and adolescents
with depression do not get help they need
• Depression can lead to school failure,
alcohol/drug use, and suicide
Child & Adolescent Depression:
WA State Facts
• 39% of Washington State 6th graders
reported feeling “depression or sad
MOST days in the past year”
• Over 30% of Washington State 10th
graders indicated that they sometimes
think, “life is not worth it”
Child & Adolescent Depression:
The Signs
• Irritability
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Persistent feelings of sadness
A drop in school performance
Problems with authority
Indecision, lack of concentration
Poor self-esteem
Overreaction to criticism
Frequent physical complaints
Risk Factors
LIFE’S SLOT
MACHINE
Biological
Sociological
Psychological
Existential
Youth Suicide: Warning Signs
• A previous suicide attempt
• Current talk of suicide or making a plan
• Strong wish to die, preoccupation with
death, giving away prized possessions
• Signs of serious depression, such as
moodiness, hopelessness, withdrawal
• Increased alcohol and/or drug use
Youth Suicide: Risk Factors
• Readily accessible firearms
• Impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks
• Lack of connection to family and friends
(no one to talk to).
Protective Factors
LIFE’S SLOT
MACHINE
Individual
Family
Community
School
Youth Suicide: Intervention
• Show you care
• Ask the question
• Call for help
Youth Suicide: Resources
• School counselor
• Crisis telephone hotline
(1-800-273-TALK)
• Physician/health care provider
• Mental health specialist
• Coaches & youth leaders
• Parents & clergy
Suicide death rates on the decline
Washington State youth 10-24 (1997-2005)
Rates of Suicide per 100,000
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
The Point is
• Suicide rates have gone down, but not far
enough
Youth Suicide:
Prevention Works!
Presented by:
Renee Arcement
Lead Health Educator, Youth Suicide Prevention
Program of Washington State
www.yspp.org