Suicide Prevention

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - In a crisis, please call 9-8-8. This line is available 24-7 for all mental health emergencies, including suicide, crisis and substance abuse. Individuals that contact this number are routed to the nearest mental health professionals and/law enforcement for immediate assistance.

DEPRESSION/SUICIDE

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Depression is more than sadness, and suicide risk is more than depression. Sadness is usually in response to something specific (i.e. a breakup, a poor test grade, a fight with a friend). The cause can usually be pinpointed or described. Depression is sadness that lasts for a long time (at least two weeks), and does not necessarily have a "cause." People will typically not be able to answer the question of "why they are sad."

Signs and symptoms:"Depressed mood" can look like sadness, or in children and teens look more like an irritable mood. Depression often brings with it a loss of concentration or interest in things that used to be fun or pleasurable – parents may see this as apathy. Changes in sleeping (too much or too little) and changes in eating (too much or too little) are also signs that sadness has moved to depression. Sometimes depression just looks like it has slowed the person down. They may report fatigue and look like they are physically moving slower – perhaps with a report of restless feelings. The symptoms combine to cause significant difficulty coping with life and participating in social, school or work activities.

YOUTH SUICIDE WARNING SIGNS

Talking about or making plans for suicide
Expressing hopelessness about the future
Displaying severe/overwhelming emotional pain or distress
Showing worrisome behavioral cues or marked changes in behavior, particularly in the presence of the warning signs above.
- Specifically, this includes significant:
  - Withdrawal from or changing in social connections/situations
  - Changes in sleep (increased or decreased)
  - Anger or hostility that seems out of character or out of context
  - Recent increased agitation or irritability

How to Respond If you notice any of these warning signs in anyone, you can help:

Ask if they are ok or if they are having thoughts of suicide
Express your concern about what you are observing in their behavior
Listen attentively and non-judgmentally
Reflect what they share and let them know they have been heard
Tell them they are not alone 6. Let them know there are treatments available that can help
If you are or they are concerned, guide them to additional professional help.

Source: www.youthsuicidewarnings.org

The Jason Foundation

The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is dedicated to the prevention of the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs that equip young people, educators/youth workers, and parents with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth. The president of The Jason Foundation is Clark Flatt, Jason Flatt’s father. On July 16th, 1997 Jason became a statistic of the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide. Clark shares his son’s tragic story to help stop teenage suicide and spread awareness about the issue.

The Jason Foundation Parent Resource Program: Parents can help make a difference and help us fight the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide. Parents can educate themselves about the magnitude of the problem, the signs of concern and the tools of prevention. Click the link above for a list of things parents can do provided by the Jason Foundation .
Jason Foundation Parent/Community Seminar: This seminar is a self-contained presentation, presented by Clark Flatt, President of The Jason Foundation and Jason’s Dad. This seminar contains statistical information, warning signs of suicidal ideation, elevated risk factors, what can be done, suggested resources, etc. The presentation runs approximately one hour and 40 minutes and was filmed in 2010. Some of the sponsors and affiliates may have changed, but the message remains the same.

FAQs

How do I know if it is serious?

What is the difference between depression and teenage moodiness?

If my child is depressed, should I worry about suicide?

Suicidal thoughts can be an outgrowth of depression. When a student feels helpless and hopeless, ending life may seem like an option. This is a very scary place to be. Checking in with your child and asking if they feel like it will get better and that life can be fun again of if they have thought about hurting themselves is very important. At any point, if you are concerned about their answer to those questions, a suicide assessment should be conducted.

What do I do if my child is threatening to hurt themselves or I am afraid they are suicidal?

If you are concerned about your child's immediate safety call 911. Tell the operator your concerns and fears. The police will come out and help get your child to a hospital or mental health center. In the meantime, do not leave your child alone. (You may even need to follow him or her into the bathroom.) Remove all hazardous materials from the house or store them out of your child's reach. This includes guns, large knifes, razor blades, over the counter and prescription pills, ropes, etc. If your child has mentioned a specific way to kill themselves, pay particular attention to the materials needed. Remove all the ways or means that your child could use to die by suicide.

If your child will cooperate, you can take them to the emergency room. A doctor will speak with you, evaluate the situation and make recommendations. If it is determined that he or she needs to be kept safe in the hospital, the police or emergency room will help you.

As a parent, this can be a scary and lonely night. Please remember, there are places to go for help and people waiting to help you. Trust your instinct. If you feel like something is going on with your child, then it probably is. If you are concerned about your child's safety, act on that concern.

What if they tell me they are just kidding?

Is there a cure for depression?

Please note: These resources are intended to provide families with educational materials that will help them better recognize “signs of concern” that an at-risk youth may exhibit. Left unaddressed or untreated, these issues that a young person is struggling with could result in suicidal ideation. Never try to solve this type of problem without obtaining professional help. Professionals should always be sought whenever there is a possibility of suicidal ideation.

JASON FLATT FOUNDATION 988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE SAMHSA SUICIDE PREVENTION