Transcript PHASE II - Suicide Warning Signs

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Phase II: Suicide Warning Signs
Suicide Warning Signs
To help HOPE Squad members recognize and
understand the warning signs of suicide
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Objectives
• Understand that most students considering suicide
give warning signs or signals of their intentions.
• Understand how to recognize the warning signs of
suicide.
• Understand the importance of responding quickly
and referring a suicidal student to an adult.
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Most suicidal individuals give warning signs or signals
of their intentions.
The best way to prevent suicide is to be familiar with
the warning signs and know how to respond.
If you believe a fellow student is suicidal, you can
promote suicide prevention by asking about suicide,
showing that you care, and telling an adult.
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Major warning signs for suicide include:
• Talking about killing or harming oneself
• Talking or writing a lot about death or dying
• Seeking out items that could be used in a suicide
attempt, such as weapons and drugs
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These signals are even more dangerous if the
person has:
• A mood disorder such as depression or bipolar
disorder
• Suffers from alcohol dependence
• Previously attempted suicide
• Has a family history of suicide
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A more subtle but equally dangerous warning sign of
suicide is hopelessness.
Studies have found that hopelessness is a strong
predictor of suicide.
People who feel hopeless may talk about "unbearable"
feelings, predict a bleak future, and state that they
have nothing to look forward to.
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Other warning signs that point to a suicidal mind
frame include:
• Dramatic mood swings – personality changes
• Being outgoing to withdrawn or well-behaved to
rebellious
• May also lose interest in day-to-day activities
• Neglect his or her appearance
• Show big changes in eating or sleeping habits
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• Change in eating and sleeping habits
• Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular
activities
• Violent or rebellious behavior, running away
• Drug and alcohol use
• Unusual neglect of personal appearance
• Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a
decline in the quality of schoolwork
Source: American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
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• Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often
related to emotions, such as stomachaches,
headaches, fatigue, etc.
• Not tolerating praise or rewards
• Reading, writing about suicide
• Giving away articles of either personal or monetary
value
• Obtaining a weapon or writing a suicide note
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Many adolescent suicides occur in the context of a
stressful life event, such as a loss,
a disciplinary action or romantic breakup.
While these stressors are experienced by most teens,
they may be the final straw for teens
at risk for suicide.
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Common Signs of Depression
• Depressed or sad mood (feeling “blue” or “down in the
dumps”)
• A change in the person’s sleeping patterns (sleeping too
much or too little)
• A significant change in the person’s weight or appetite
• Speaking and/or moving with unusual speed or slowness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities (hobbies,
outdoor activities, hanging around with friends)
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Common Signs of Depression cont.
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Diminished ability to think or concentrate, slowed
thinking or indecisiveness
• Feelings of worthlessness, self-reproach, or guilt
• Thoughts of death, suicide, or wishes to be dead
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Take any suicidal talk or
behavior seriously.
It's not just a warning sign that the person
is thinking about suicide –
it's a cry for help.
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Discussion & Questions
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