If you see it, say it!

Purpose of our presentationWe will be presenting information regarding suicide prevention.

This will be a short presentation, and we can address questions privately following the presentation.

• Let's respect the range of emotions in this room.

• Everyone deals with grief and loss in their own time and in their own place.

• 60% of people in their lifetime will be effected by suicide.

As you know, we have had a suicide and we want to prevent one in the future.

Suicide is not a solution.

Facts• 90% of suicides are the result

of diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or addiction and substance abuse.

• It is important to reach out for help.

• At any time 1 in 4 people have a mental health issue.

Signs and symptoms to be aware of:• Changes – in sleep, appetite, mood,

energy level.• Previous or recurrent thoughts of

death or suicide• Decreased concentration, memory,

decisiveness• Feelings of hopelessness and

helplessness• Feelings of shame/guilt• Increased anxiety, agitation or

restlessness• Taking unnecessary risks (sex,

drinking or substance abuse, driving fast)

Signs and symptoms (continued)• Talking about committing suicide.• Withdrawing from friends, social

activities, or hobbies.• Losing interest in hobbies, school,

and personal appearance.• Giving away prized possessions.• Saying “goodbye” to friends or

family.• Statements about wanting to be

with deceased loved ones.

More warning signs…SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

Posts on Facebook or Twitter that reflect extreme sadness or hopelessness (such as: “Life is not worth living,” “I give up,” “People would be better off without me,” or “Everyone hates me.”)

Unexpectedly closing down Facebook or Twitter accounts.

What to do if you notice signs or symptoms…

• Identify 3 adults you could go to (parent, friend's parent, aunt or uncle, grandparent, coach, teacher, counselor). • If you don't get the response that you want or

need, you need to seek out another adult!• As soon as you see or hear something,

tell your parents or a trusted adult. • Don't wait for someone else and if you see

something online at night, don't wait for morning.

• Another great resource to use if you are in crisis is the hotline or crisischat.org

What if you promised your friend that you would keep a secret? Even if your friend asks you not to say

something, you still need to tell an adult! We are professionals, and we will protect your

identity. Chances are you are not the only one who knows

the secret. The result of keeping a secret is that your friend

might be dead. Is it better to have a living friend who is mad than the regret of not saying something.

You all matter.We care about you.

We are here for you. Summer is coming, come talk to us now. We can set you up with resources to use during the summer.

What’s next…We will be continuing this

conversation more. As time goes on, we will present more

educational tools about mental health issues for students, staff, and parents.

A copy of this presentation and more resources will be sent to your parents and are available on the District website.

GET OUT YOUR PHONES, and put in this hotline number!

If you see it, say it!