Program Innovations

Innovative Health Education and Prevention Programs

TEEN / ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION & SUICIDE PREVENTION

Examples of Suicide Prevention Campaign Materials

WHY THE CONCERN OVER TEENAGE SUICIDES?

Suicides among young people continue to be a concern facing our society. Each year in the U.S., thousands of teenagers commit suicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-to-24-year-olds, and the sixth leading cause of death for 5-to-14-year-olds. There are 25 suicide attempts for every one suicide completions. *

Teenagers experience strong feelings of stress, confusion, self-doubt, pressure to succeed, financial uncertainty, and other fears while growing up. For some teenagers, divorce the formation of a new family with stepparents or stepsiblings or moving to a new community can be very unsettling and can intensify self-doubts. These stressors and changes can lead to depression, which precedes suicidal thoughts. For some teens, suicide may appear to be a solution to their problems and stress.

HOW WOULD I KNOW IF SOMEONE IS THINKING ABOUT SUICIDE?

Depression and suicidal feelings are very treatable. The adolescent needs to be assessed by a mental health professional and treatment instituted. When in doubt whether an adolescent has a serious problem, choose to get an assessment.
If one or more of these signs of depression persist, help should be sought;

Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying
Decreased interest in activities; or inability to enjoy previously favorite activities
Hopelessness
Persistent boredom; low energy
Social isolation, poor communication
Low self esteem and guilt
Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
Increased irritability, anger, or hostility
Difficulty with relationships
Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches
Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
Poor concentration
A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns
Talk of or efforts to run away from home
Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self destructive behavior

Adolescents who are depressed may say they want to be dead or may talk about suicide. Depressed adolescents are at increased risk for committing suicide. Depressed adolescents may abuse alcohol or other drugs as a way of trying to feel better.
Many of the signs and symptoms of suicidal feelings are similar to those of depression. Signs of adolescents who may try to kill themselves include:

Change in eating and sleeping habits
Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities
Violent actions, rebellious behavior, or running away
Drug and Alcohol use
Unusual neglect of personal appearance
Marked personality change
Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork
Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
Not tolerating praise or rewards

A teenager who is planning to commit suicide may also:

Complain of being a bad person or feeling rotten inside
Give verbal hints with statements such as: I won't be a problem for you much longer, Nothing matters, It's no use, and I won't see you again
Put his or her affairs in order, for example, give away favorite possessions, clean his or her room, throw away important belongings, etc.
Become suddenly cheerful after a period of depression
Have signs of psychosis (hallucinations or bizarre thoughts)

HOW CAN I HELP? WHAT DO I DO?

If you notice these signs and symptoms or an adolescent makes statements about harming him or herself, committing suicide or not wanting to live always take the statement seriously and immediately seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional. People often feel uncomfortable asking the question, “are you thinking about hurting yourself” or “are you suicidal” but it is absolutely necessary. These questions will actually provide assurance that somebody cares and will give the young person the chance to talk about the problems.

HOW CAN I HELP SOMEONE DEALING WITH FEELINGS OF SUICIDE:

Listen, Listen, Listen. We often undervalue the power of active listening. Help them to hear themselves by rephrasing word and feelings. For example: In other words, what you’re feeling/saying is…”
Be Supportive: Show that you care. Clearly communicate this support. Say, “I care about you.” “You are important to me.”
Avoid being judgmental or arguing about moral issues regarding suicide
Take every complaint or re4ference to suicide seriously.
Evaluate the immediate risk: If suicidal thoughts are present, assess for three major predictors for immediate risk:
- 1. The presence of a suicide plan.
- 2. Possession of means for suicide.
- 3. A time schedule.
With the presence of each progressive predictor, the chances of immediate harm increase. Specifically ask:
- 1. Do you have a plan?
- 2. Do you have the means?
- 3. When do you plan to kill yourself
Never leave a person alone who has secured a means for suicide.
Do not allow yourself to be one helping a suicidal person. Share your concerns with those who can help. Do not be bound by secrecy. An angry friend is better than a dead one.

HOW CAN WE PREVENT SUICIDE (SUICIDE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION)?

In addition to the above ways to intervene and help, INFLUENCE AND EDUCATE!

Even before an adolescent starts experiencing depression or suicidal ideation, give them the tools they need to understand what is occurring, and influence them in a way that will leave a lasting impression if they do consider suicide as an option. An impression that will tell them not to act on those thoughts or feelings, but that help is available and suicide is permanent answer to a temporary problem.

The program, “Together We Will Find a Way or Make One” does just this.

This program is a multi media interactive PowerPoint that educates on youth/young adults on depression and suicide prevention. It is developed to educate youth, college students, and the educators, counselors, and many other professionals that work with our youth and young adults. It’s content involves the prevalence and reason for concern, warning signs, risk factors for suicide, specifically what to say, how to intervene and why NOT to choose suicide.
The content is powerful; including 45 slides, music, video clips, suicide survivor’s stories, and also the devastating effects choosing suicide has on family and friends. It provides hope for those struggling, influencing them to seek help before they act and assists those around them to notice signs and intervene. In these ways, we have the potential to reduce the number of youth suicides. Included is a detailed discussion guide.
Additionally offered is a complete program campaign to institute in you school, agency or building. It offers beautifully designed graphics combined with powerful messages. The packages include posters (5 different designs), magnets, and wallet cards that are personalized to list your resources--where to go for help. They are designed to encourage those feeling depressed or suicidal to seek help, and those who notice the warning signs to reach out.