Prevention Harm: Suicide/Depression HB 1386

Prevention Harm:
Suicide/Depression
HB 1386
Preventing Harm:
Suicide/Depression
O When Life just happens:
O Divorce
O Someone you care
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about dies
Difficult home life
Dating relationship
ends in a breakup
Problems in a
friendship or social
group
Family experiences
financial problems
Preventing Harm
Everyone feels sad or
down sometimes. If
you have overwhelming
feelings of despair that
last for more than two
weeks, depression can
be the cause.
Preventing Harm
O Depression
O Signs and Symptoms:
O Feeling overwhelmed
by life
O Feeling worthless or
hopeless
O Loss of interest in
things/activates
O Lack of energy
O Forgetfulness and not
being able to
concentrate
O Changes in eating and
sleeping habits
Preventing Harm
O Other Warning Signs of
Depression:
O Tearful and
frequent crying
O Restlessness and
agitation
O Feelings of
worthlessness
and guilt
O Lack of motivation
and enthusiasm
Emotionally and Physically
Healthy
O Remember that feeling sad or depressed is a
normal part of life
O Tips to meet your emotional and physical
needs
1) We need both emotional and
physical care to strike a good
balance.
2) Keep it simple
Emotionally and Physically
Healthy
O Simple Steps to staying emotionally and
physically healthy:
O Balancing both (emotional and physical)
O Physical:
O Eating habits
O Sleep habits
O H2O (water)
O Outside
Preventing Harm
O What to do if I get
depressed:
O Learn about
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depression
Get help
Find a trusted adult
See a doctor
Stay healthy
Get involved
Tell someone if you
feel suicidal
Suicide
O Suicide is the third leading cause of death
among youth aged 10-24.
O Youth and students that use alcohol or
tobacco are at an elevated risk and illicit
drug use further compounds the risk for
suicide.
O Studies show that 90 percent of the
individuals that complete suicide had a
diagnosable mental health issue. (cdc.gov)
Myths
People who talk about suicide won't really do it.
Only crazy people commit suicide.
Talking about suicide may give someone the idea
to commit suicide.
If a person is determined to kill him/herself,
nothing is going to stop him/her.
People who attempt suicide are just trying to get
attention.
No one I know would commit suicide.
Warning Signs
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Noticeable change in behavior.
Signs of depression (sleeping problems, change in appetite, feelings of
hopelessness, etc.)
Alcohol or drug abuse.
Obsession with death.
Decline in performance or participation in activities.
Suicidal gesturing or reckless behavior.
Giving away prized possessions.
Unusual purchases (weapon, rope, pills).
Sudden happiness after a prolonged depression.
Talking about suicide or dying.
Withdrawal from friends or family.
Previous suicide attempts.
Statements about hopelessness, worthlessness, helplessness.
Inability to concentrate or trouble remembering.
Chronic pain or frequent complaints of physical symptoms.
Triggers
O Being bullied
O Break up with girlfriend/boyfriend
O Death of a parent or any important person
O Divorce
O Being ridiculed by peers/not being accepted
O A humiliating experience
O Contagion
What can you do?
O Listen and express concern in a nonO
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judgmental way.
Take action. - get them connected with
professional help.
Ask questions openly (e.g., "Do you have a
plan?" "Will you talk with someone who can
help?")
Show that you care.
Take suicide threats seriously.
What not to do
O Do NOT keep it a secret.
O Do NOT sidestep the issue or treat it lightly.
O Do NOT leave the person alone.
O Do NOT offer simple solutions.
O Do NOT judge.
O Do NOT offer or suggest drugs or alcohol.
O Do NOT try to be a therapist - get
professional help.
Get Help
DO NOT LEAVE THE PERSON AT RISK
ALONE!
2. Find a trusted adult to assist
IMMEDIATELY. This can be a teacher,
coach, counselor, parent or church staff.
3. Calling a hotline is appropriate as well.
4. If you are the person having thoughts,
follow these same guidelines.
1.
How can I maintain my
emotional health?
O Finding ways to be connected to your family and
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school.
Being involved to create a safer school.
Finding ways to enhance self-esteem.
Working toward academic achievement.
Developing positive relationships with peers at school
and other places.
Be willing to ask for help when needed.
Finding opportunities to be responsible for others
(volunteering or taking care of pets).
Taking time each day to do something positive for
yourself.
Preventing Harm
There is Help and there is Hope!
You don’t have to go through it alone.
Resources:
O Parent or trusted adult
O School counselor/Teacher
O 1(800) 762-0157
O 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255)
O Dial 911
References and Resources
Your BMMS teachers, coaches, principals, counselors and staff.
A trusted adult
Denton County MHMR - 24 Hour Crisis Hotline – 1-800- 762-0157
or TTY – 1-800-269-6233
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or
TTY 1-800-799-4889
www.EndTeenSuicide.org
American Association of Suicidology – www.suicidology.org
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – www.afsp.org
Mental Health America of Texas – www.mhatexas.org
National Institute for Mental Health – www.nimh.nih.gov
Suicide Prevention Resource Center – www.sprc.org
www.TexasSuicidePrevention.org