SUICIDE PREVENTION

EMPATHY &HOW TO HELP A FRIEND

December 2014

Suicide Facts & Figures

3rd leading cause of death for youth ages 10-14

1 woman dies for every 4 men by suicide, but women are 3x more likely to attempt than men.

Over 4800 youth between the ages of 15-24 die by suicide each year – in the US (making suicide #2 for this age group)

An average of 1 person every 16 minutes dies by suicide each year in the US – over 39,000 people

Suicide Myths

Talking about suicide will cause someone to attempt suicide

People who kill themselves do not warn other people

Once a person is suicidal they’re suicidal forever

Those who have attempted suicide and failed will not try again

You have to be a mental health professional to help someone who is suicidal

Warning Signs

Preoccupation with suicide and/or death Feelings of sadness or hopelessness, often

accompanied by anxiety Declining school performance Loss of pleasure/interest in social and sports

activities Sleeping too little or too much Changes in weight or appetite

Youth Risk Behavior Survey - 2013 MA Public Middle School Students

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

16% felt sad or hopeless

36% felt they needed to talk to an adult about problems or feelings they were having

14% Non-suicidal self injury

8% Seriously considered suicide

4% Attempted suicide

Youth Risk Factors

Diagnosed or undiagnosed Mental Illness Homeless students Sexual minority youth Students who engage in binge drinking or

illegal drug use Students who have experienced violence

Stacking Cups

What are some emotions a suicidal person may feel?

Depressed Confused

Isolated

Worthless

Out of Control Overwhelmed

Helpless

Hopeless

Protective Factors

Sense of humor Support networks Problem solving skills Coping Skills Ability to express emotions Ability to ask for help Faith/values

Ask for help if you’re stressed Try not to isolate yourself Remember that you are not alone Keep your body healthy Avoid alcohol and drugs

www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen_teenagers.htm

What you can do to feel better

Helping a Friend

Listen

Ask

Get Help

Empathy vs. Sympathy

Listen

DO: Show that you care Give all your attention Ask questions

DON’T: Talk about yourself Give advice Tell them what they are feeling is

unimportant

Ask

Ask questions Open-ended questions Avoid “why” questions

ASK

Ask the question directly:

“Do you sometimes feel so bad that you think about suicide?”

Be ready to support them whether they answer yes or no!

Get HelpWhen to tell others

If someone’s life is at risk, that’s too big a risk to keep to yourself

It’s always easier to ask for forgiveness than permission

You may have an angry friend who is alive rather than a friend who is no longer alive

Get HelpWho to talk to?

A Trusted Adult Teacher or Guidance Counselor Parent Neighbor or Religious leader Mentors Anyone you trust who you believe can

deal with the situation you present to them

If you don’t get the help you need – seek someone else!

Samaritans Programs & Services

Hotline/Samariteens

IM_Hear

Crisis Text Line

Do you prefer chatting online instead of talking to someone?Monday – Thursday 6:00-9:00 PM www.IMHear.org

National Texting Line – 24/7Text TALK to 741-741

www.crisistextline.org/

Online Resources

www.masspreventssuicide.org www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org www.suicidology.org www.afsp.org www.samaritanshope.org www.helpguide.org – depression & teens www.doe.mass.edu – Massachusetts

Department of Elementary & Secondary Education

www.sioutreach.org - Self-Injury Resources

www.samaritanshope.org

Samaritans Statewide Number1-877-870-HOPE (4673)

SamariTeen Line1-800-252-TEEN (8336)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Business Line: 617-536-2460