preventteensuicidenow

[preventteensuicidenow]

Essay

Prevent Teen Suicide Now

In order to have a moral and just world  people just need to be hopeful. This connects because losing hope pushes people to give up and not believe in themselves, leading to self inflicted abuse . It’s important to put a stop to teen suicide. In this paper I decided to discuss ways that can help teen students alleviate one another when feeling suicidal.

Since middle school I’ve had friends tell me they felt suicidal or attempted it. It wasn't till my eighth grade year one of my friends committed suicide. I choose this topic because I remember missing the signs from my friend and I also know that feeling of wanting to help more with my friends. How can teens help other teens prevent teen suicide and suicidal thoughts by encouraging positive self image and counseling?  I feel that teens do have the heart and strength to help one another, during times of need such as; love, affection or motivation. Teens are the future and by helping one another we could all feel loved, all be hopeful and all become what's ahold of us. This connects to me because I feel like I’m that one friend who shows my friends love and motivate them. I've always been the type to be aware of when my friends aren't okay or upset. I'm the type of person that my friends can come to about anything and just listen to them.

Before research, I knew suicide was a serious epidemic within teens. Teenagers experience a number of emotions all at once, on top of juggling school, or work and any family issues. That's just without them struggling with identity, society and peer pressure that high school brings. Everyone handles their issues differently, some don't know how to handle it. From the research I did, suicide can be triggered by several negative experiences.

 In today's society bullying is done more on social media and cyberbullying never ends. Whatever is posted on social media stays and circulates on the internet. Society does play a huge role on teen suicide. Selena Fabiano, my consultant that I interviewed at the Pathways Counseling center,  gave me some insight on how society plays a hole on teen suicide. “ I don't know how other countries societies play a role on teen suicide. Things in society now play a role. What can be done to help prevent it  more? More campaigns and making it something someone can talk about . Suicide is like something taboo, not talked about. Needs to be access more for teens at school,”  Ms. Fabiano believes that peer support programs are a way to help prevent teen suicide, because teens feel more comfortable. During the interview the most important thing I got from her was to just listen. “ The basics; having someone to talk to that non judgemental, not rushing with advice. The saying longtime solutions to a short time problem. There's a safety plan; things to do when feeling this way, who to talk to.” When it comes to someone being that person to listen, don't be judgemental. No matter what a person is going through you can't be obligated to state how you feel. It's currently not about you. Don't rush to say what you have to say. Wait, listen and listen some more. There's that saying that your short time problems are just small compared to that long time solution. Selena says there should be a safety plan, meaning a plan on when things get tough/rough. What can you do to help you get away from that feeling, who you can talk to. When I interviewed Selena, she was saying hotlines are a great resource to reach out to when you're feeling low. Also Having someone who can listen or uplift how you feel is something that can help. Plan out things like who or what makes you happy or bring you joy. Managing emotions can help. At times when you're at your lowest, anyone that can just listen or someone you trust can uplift you. “ Plan things to help when feeling low… friends family.. Human connection. Someone to understand. It's about managing their emotions, a thing called grounding; distraction, overwhelmed emotions and what brings joy.” When someone is suicidal it's always best just to do the basics. Listen, don't rush to speak, and most importantly don't judge. Whatever a person is going through doesn't mean you have to judge. Listening to their story or struggle or what has them down can just give them what they wanted.There's always someone to talk to or reach out too, there's so many hotlines and places to go when suicide is on your mind. Even a friend can be someone to talk to.What makes that person happy or brings them joy, can help manage their emotion. Selena Fabiano wasn't the only person I interviewed, I also interviewed a close friend that attempted suicide. This interview was harder than the one with Ms. Fabiano.

 Reasons for suicide are different for everyone, just like how everyone's struggle is different than the next. My friend’s reason for attempted suicide was that they felt horrible and didn't mean anything to anyone. They couldn't take the physical abuse from people close to them and people talking down on them. Along with someone they trusted letting it happen so they didn't have anyone to talk to. They were scared and ashamed to tell anyone because they was threatened to not tell the truth, so they attempted suicide. To hear someone I'm so close to say this was really heartbreaking. Things that happen behind close doors is always unseen. No one could know about what my friend went through if they didn't open up. I know things were noticed but never opened up till it came down to the point where they were fighting for their life. There's a statistic out that said most teens try to commit suicide when there is a firearm in their home, unfortunately that's was their case. The struggles they  went through are an eye opener to me. Everythings all good in the public eye but behind closed doors, no one knows what's said or done. Abuse, both physically and verbally can break down a person so much that their last solution or choice is to end it all person. Giving hope and life another chance is hard to do when you feel at your lowest already. But having someone close that cares and just listen is always needed for anybody. I believe that just having someone to listen helps. There doesn't always have to be a promise. A understanding and someone just to listen. My friend always talked with their grandmother about everything, being that they had someone to listen. What happens behind closed doors is different from what people show you. Having someone close to listen and hear you out is what's needed.

Even at your lowest moment a stranger can be someone to listen. Kevin Briggs a patrol officer in San Francisco works on the most known sights for suicide, the Golden Gate Bridge. He has stopped upwards of two hundred people from jumping off the bridge. He now does Ted Talks, where he shares his experiences of working on the Golden Gate Bridge. In his most recent Ted Talk he poses these questions, “  I pose these questions to you: What would you do if your family member, friend or loved one was suicidal? What would you say? Would you know what to say? In my experience, it's not just the talking that you do, but the listening. Listen to understand. Don't argue, blame, or tell the person you know how they feel, because you probably don't. By just being there, you may just be the turning point that they need. If you think someone is suicidal, don't be afraid to confront them and ask the question. One way of asking them the question is like this: "Others in similar circumstances have thought about ending their life; have you had these thoughts?" Confronting the person head-on may just save their life and be the turning point for them.Some other signs to look for: hopelessness, believing that things are terrible and never going to get better; helplessness, believing that there is nothing that you can do about it; recent social withdrawal; and a loss of interest in life.” When Briggs posed these questions I thought of those times I was in the position to listen.When your in these situations with someone who feels listening is the best thing to do. Being there can just be a “ turning point” that they need. When someone is suicidal just asking the question can save their life. There's signs that always go unnoticed. Look for the signs Briggs says. The way Briggs speaks and asks that hypothetical question as if it was your family or friend what would you do? In honesty the first thing anyone would do is try to talk them out but listening is the best thing to do.I like how Briggs puts in a more intimate perspective, what would you do? He goes to sharing a story, “ I'd like to introduce you to a man I refer to as hope and courage. On March 11 of 2005, I responded to a radio call of a possible suicidal subject on the bridge sidewalk near the north tower. I rode my motorcycle down the sidewalk and observed this man, Kevin Berthia, standing on the sidewalk. When he saw me, he immediately traversed that pedestrian rail, and stood on that small pipe which goes around the tower. For the next hour and a half, I listened as Kevin spoke about his depression and hopelessness. Kevin decided on his own that day to come back over that rail and give life another chance. When Kevin came back over, I congratulated him. "This is a new beginning, a new life." But I asked him, "What was it that made you come back and give hope and life another chance?" And you know what he told me? He said, "You listened. You let me speak, and you just listened."   When Briggs shares this story during his

Ted Talk I felt for Kevin. Like I myself hearing his story was happy he give life another try. Suicide is a touchy subject for me, I’ve had a friend attempt suicide and one commit suicide. Hearing Kevin's story is a true sign of hope. Briggs sharing this story is the prime example of what listening can do. Kevin Briggs shared stories of his experience with suicidal people. He main points that I took were to just listen. Listen and think about what would you do if the person you're talking to is a family member. In one of his stories he shares, the person still goes through with jumping off the SF Bridge. While telling the story you can tell Kevin is affected from his job but him doing Ted Talks shows he's sharing his knowledge wanting to help prevent anymore from happening. I loved how Briggs put that perspective in, What would you do if your family member, friend or loved one was suicidal? When he asks this it makes you really question yourself on what would you do. “ People seem plenty eager to talk about mental illness and about suicide just as long as it’s behind closed doors and hushed voices.” Mark Henrick says this in his Ted Talk. Which is very true, when anyone talks about suicide it's either a quick discussion that ends before it's even started or its jokes. Suicide isn't a joke, and it needs to be talked about. How else would people push to prevent it if not talking about. Having a deep discussion about it. There's a saying that closed mouths dont get feed, well closed doors and hushed mouths won't help suicide awareness. Mark Henick shares his experience. If anything sharing your experience and struggle, shows that anything is possible and hope is still there. He later says “ Now when we encounter the suicide of somebody else, we always seem to try to rationalize it. I hear it all the time. And I think that’s because we’re uncomfortable with feeling helpless and with not understanding. But since we know that our perceptions are created and continually informed by our biology, by our psychology and by our society, we actually have many entry points for potentially helping and better understanding suicide. One way that we can help is to stop saying that people commit suicide. People commit rape. They commit murder. But nobody has committed suicide in this country since the early 1970s when suicide was decriminalized. And that’s because suicide is a public health concern, not a criminal one. And it’s a health concern; we know that. 90% of people who die by suicide have a diagnosable and treatable mental illness at the time of their death. And we know that with medication, with psychotherapy, these treatments work. So we need to make these treatments more available in an informed way to everybody.” People have to be willing and comfortable to talk about the uncomfortable. Suicide seems to always be justified. Completely understanding how someone feels isn't possible. See everyone feels different emotions, everyone has their own struggles. If someone feels suicidal no one but them at the moment know how it feels. But we can help by listening to them, letting their voice be heard. That's the only way we can understand suicide really, listening to how that one person at that moment feels. The definition of commit is to carry out or perpetrate (a mistake, crime, or immoral act). Suicide is a public health, not a crime. Not anymore anyways. It's a public health concern, people who are suicidal tend to have a mental illness. Treatments could help and they need to be more available. People need to be comfortable to talk about suicide in order to understand it. Mark uses his experiences of attempted suicide as a platform to raise awareness. Suicide is a health concern not a crime. It's also treatable, especially when majority of suicide victims have a type of mental illness at or before their death. From Henricks talk, what I got is that people only want to talk about suicide in a quick little convo instead of having a deep understanding conversation that's needed. Talking to someone about your struggle or talking to someone when at their lowest moment can just be what they needed.

Some more research I conducted on my own gave me results on what teens know about suicide and what could best help. I made an anonymous survey that was taken by 43 students at San Leandro High and followers off of my personal Instagram. The results for every questions in the survey gave raw data on how teen feel about teenage suicide. The first question asked your age, majority of the people were 17 years old. The second question asked asked ethnicity, every person that took these survey had a different background. The third question asked what did people identify as, majority were females and males. The fourth question asked about their knowledge of teen suicide, most either knew very little or a lot. The fifth question asked who was more likely to consider suicide, the pie chart showed that 90.7% of responses choose female.The sixth question asked if suicide was preventable, 95.3% chose yes it is preventable. The seventh question asked who is affected most, majority chose the age group 16 through 17 years old are most affected. The eighth question asked  how many teens commit suicide in the USA, the results were all different; 23.8% chose over 3000, 16.7% chose 101-500, 21.4% chose 501-1000, 21.4% chose 101-2000, 16.7% chose 2001-3000. The ninth question asked to select all that applied to what the main reason of teens commit suicide, the top three that were selected was; bullying, stress, and family problems. The tenth question asked what's the best way to decrease suicide, a response I got was, “  To actually help the person not just tell them everything will be fine or that it gets better. Actually be there with them, try to do things with them distract them from their suicidal thoughts. From personal experience I never asked for help & I know I needed it but I just didn’t want others to know. A lot of them are scared to ask for help & most times you might not even know they feel that way because of how they fake their own happiness. Make them trust you that way you can help them & don’t say it's wrong for them to feel that way instead help with actions not just words. Actions do speak louder than words and it’s what the person sees that they will remember most.” The eleventh question was a personal question that most answered yes. The twelfth question asked would support groups be helpful for teens, majority said yes. The thirtieth question asked what would be most effective to you if you had suicidal tendencies, the top two selected was talking to a therapist or talking to your peers. This survey reveals that students who took it expressed that they’ve know people who have tried or committed suicide. Along with those who shared the knowledge they have about suicide. Students know it's important because just genuine support or talking to someone can help a teen with suicidal thoughts not go further with their actions. And 60.5% of those who took the survey believe that with support groups teens with suicidal tendencies can be helped. These results showed that talking to a therapist or counselor and your peers would be the most effective way for those who have suicidal thoughts or tendencies.

The survey wasn't quite enough, therefore I held two events, one for students at Bancroft Middle School and the other for students at San Leandro High School. Before these workshops I binge watched 13 Reasons Why on Netflix. Essentially the show is about a teenaged girl who commits suicide leaving thirteen tape recorded tapes for each person that was a reason why. The show was the base of my workshop. The workshop at the middle school was held in a math class with a mixture of seventh and eighth graders. My workshop with the middle school students was structured as a restorative circle which is a circle dialogue that is a fundamental element of restorative dialogue. A classroom circle supports the two main goals of restorative practices; building community and responding to harms through dialogue that sets things right. I started my workshop off by introducing myself and about my Quest project. I had one rule for my workshop, it was everything said in here stays in here. I asked questions to structure the circle. The middle schoolers were aware of suicide and what happened within the show. The talk was good, the questions I asked the students questions like; what do you know about suicide, what emotions did you feel when you watched the show, and how do you feel society plays a huge suicide? The talk was uncomfortable to them, I could sense it. But the talk was good surrounding suicide, a few opened up. Some shared personal stories; such as someone in their life committing suicide and/ or attempted it. Also someone says their friend opened up to them about their depression and suicidal thoughts. It was great to hear that the students are talking about it and that they now know the signs. The workshop went with my Quest Topic because the conversation was about suicide and sharing how we felt watching the show. I learned that some middle schoolers are open to talking about suicide and even had it happened to someone close to them. It was  uncomfortable to them but they learned too. This activity makes it more clear on how I talk to my peers at the high school. It was like practice and more apparent on what I should ask and say to my peers at San Leandro High. My action at the high school will be more focused. The workshop  at San Leandro High was more structured and developed. The difference was the questions I asked, they were more developed. The people that came really had a deep discussion. They noticed the signs of suicide in the Show and identified the differences between the certain characters. Along with sharing how the characters are affected by Hannah's suicide. The hypothetical questions were a more personal and I think had them think harder on the answer. Although I hoped for more people had come, the talk was great. We went longer than I expected and the people who watched the show really did analyze Hannah's signs along with all her friends. I know it was uncomfortable to talk about but it felt like they were open to talk about it. I did ask and talk a lot about the show because it's shows clear signs of suicide and how peers and parents react and their emotions. Those who came were very open to speaking about suicide. It was great to know my peers at school know about suicide and further their understanding on suicide.  All together the experience and action was meaningful leaving the students talking about it with their friends and family.

The essential question for my quest project is how can teens help others teens prevent teen suicide and suicidal thoughts by encouraging positive self image and counseling? Society doesn't talk about suicide, at all really. The world already has a sufficient number of social issues, from school to prison pipeline to racism, suicide is one of those that needs to be discussed more. Teens in high school notice everything, they know suicide is happening around them so why not talk about it. Not all high schools or middle schools have a safe space for a conversation about such a  deep issue. Teens can help one another by being kind and loving towards one another. Counseling can be used to teach teens grounding methods to deal with suicidal tendencies and thoughts. Essentially teens and counseling can help prevent suicide.

Preventing teen suicide connects to world cause it can be attempted or committed by anyone. Teens are the future, if one attempts or commits suicide who know what they could've did. To this world teens could become the next president, council woman or man. The world is at its social downfall. Economically the world is failing too, but socially the world just isn't right. The injustice and crimes done in the day, everything is coming to the light. There isn't a feeling of hope in the world right now, it's hopelessness in the air. The world is failing in areas such as; hope, love, and care. The people in this world are lacking in those areas in today's time. With a new president, new laws and people coming out from out the shadows. Society isn't getting better, but worse. Hatred and hopelessness is what the world's current state.

A moral and just world is when there's hope, love and care for one another. Hope and motivation that pushes you to succeed and become something, someone. Real and genuine love from everyone that expressed without envy or hatred. A world where there isn't so much hatred towards one another instead love. Love for everything and everyone. My conception of a moral and just world is a world where there isn't hatred, but where there is love, hope and motivation. It would feel like the ending of a romance movie where the couple ends up together. It would be happiness everywhere. The difference from now is that there is anger and hatred. My conception of a moral and just world is a world where there isn't hatred, but where there is love, hope and motivation. It would feel like the ending of a romance movie where the couple ends up together. It would be happiness everywhere. The difference from now is that there is anger and hatred. A moral and just world would be filled with hopefulness and love. The way the world would work would be fair and just. The reality of how things are right now is brutal and in a moral and just world it would be peaceful. “ Hope is was being able to see that there is light despite all of its darkness”, Desmond Tutu is a South African social rights activist and retired Anglican bishop who rose to worldwide fame during the 1980s as an opponent of apartheid. Since the demise of apartheid, Tutu has campaigned to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, poverty, racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. Finding hope in this dark and corrupted world is hard but supporting one another can benefit way more.

In conclusion to have a moral and just world  people just need to be hopeful. Losing hope pushes people to give up and not believe in themselves, leading to suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Preventing teen suicide has always been something I strongly pushed for. Teens opening up and sharing how they feel to friends, family or someone professional can help put a stop to suicide. Teens helping one another can also help. The world is already a messed up place, caring can help bring ambition and motivation to keep on living. By preventing teen suicide, the world has lots in store.

Work cited

"Anonymous Interview." Interview. n.d.: n. pag. Print.

"Desmond Tutu." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 25 May 2017. Web. 26 May 2017.

"Interview with Selena." Interview with Selena Fabiano. Girls Inc., Oakland. 16 Mar. 2017. Speech.

The Bridge between Suicide and Life. Perf. Kevin Briggs. Kevin Briggs:The Bridge between Suicide and Life. Ted Talk, Mar. 2014. Web.

Why We Choose Suicide. Perf. Mark Henick. 2013. 26 Sept. 2013. Web.

Hatchet's Wicked Show. "Let's Talk About Suicide." YouTube. YouTube, 23 Apr. 2017. Web. 27 Apr. 2017.

Pastor Fired 140. "THE BEST SERMON ON SUICIDE." YouTube. YouTube, 17 Aug. 2014. Web. 27 Apr. 2017.

Complex Magazine. "Kehlani Talks To Fans About Depression After Suicide Attempt."YouTube. YouTube, 16 May 2016. Web. 27 Apr. 2017.

"HEARTBREAKING: Teen Couple Died By Suicide Days Apart." BlackDoctor. N.p., 26 Apr. 2017. Web. 27 Apr. 2017.

Biskup, Michael D., and Carol Wekesser. Suicide: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego: Greenhaven, 1992. Print.

Toner, Jacqueline B., and Claire A. B. Freeland. Depression: A Teen's Guide to Survive and Thrive. Washington, DC: Magination, American Psychological Association, 2016. Print.

[preventteensuicidenow]

Experience & Action

For my Quest Experience I binged watched 13 Reasons Why on Netflix. Also I went to Bancroft Middle School to do a workshop with 7th and 8th graders. The workshop was based on suicide and the show 13 Reasons Why.

My workshop with the middle school students was structured as a restorative circle. A restorative circle is a circle dialogue that is a fundamental element of restorative dialogue. A classroom circle supports the two main goals of restorative practices; building community and responding to harms through dialogue that sets things right.

I started my workshop off by introducing myself and about my Quest project. I had one rule for my workshop, it was everything said in here stays in here. I asked questions to structure the circle. Here are the questions I asked.

1. Have you watched 13 Reasons Why, if so share a scene that happens within the show?

2. What do you know about suicide?

3. Do you feel society plays a huge role on suicide?

4. What do you think can be done to help prevent it?

5. What emotions did you feel when you watched the show?

6. Do you know the signs of suicide?

I had an activity for the students to write the sings of suicide on the white board. 

After writing the signs of suicide on the white board I had another activity to get them moving more. The activity is called shuffle bun, I would ask a question and the students would find a new seat as their answer.

1. Have you, a family member or someone you know ever had suicidal thoughts? 

2. Has you or someone you know ever been depressed?

3. Do you or someone you know have anxiety?

4. Do you or someone you know engage in risky behavior? Such as taking drugs etc.

Asking these questions let the students know that they had things in common. The last questions I asked were hypothetical questions. 

1. How would you feel if a close friend attempted or committed suicide?

2. How do you think your friends would feel if you attempted or committed suicide?

3. How do you think your parents or guardians would feel if you attempted or committed suicide?

4. If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, what would you do to help?

The talk with the middle school students was good. I facilitated it as a circle. The questions I asked them questions like; what do you know about suicide, what emotions did you feel when you watched the show, and how do you feel society plays a huge suicide? The talk was uncomfortable to them, I could sense it. But the talk was good surrounding suicide, a few opened up.The circle went with my Quest Topic because we was just talking about suicide and sharing how we felt watching the show. I learned that some middle schoolers are open to talking about suicide and even had it happened to someone close to them. It did seem uncomfortable to them but they learned too. This workshop makes it more clear on how I should talk to my peers at the high school. It was like practice and more apparent on what I should ask and say. My action at the high school will be more focused. The pluses of my experience with the middle school students is that they were aware of suicide and what happened within the show. It was good when a few students shared personal stories; such as someone in their life committing suicide and/ or attempted it. Also someone says their friend opened up to them about their depression and suicidal thoughts. It was great to hear that the students are talking about it and that they now know the signs. The deltas was I felt like I didn't ask enough or share enough. But I knew my audience, only a few really was into the conversation or in the discussion. Also I emphasized, having them write the signs on the whiteboard. The workshop was like a trail run almost, I did get feedback and critique myself on what I need to do better for the next one. Not all of them really watched the show so I couldn't ask or really talk much about what happened in the show. But I did talk about suicide a lot. It was good. I feel the students got a lot from the workshop and that they know more about suicide. Hopefully they can just talk to their friends and family about suicide more openly now. 

My action was just like my workshop for the middle school students but instead for my high school peers. The difference was my questions were more developed.

1. What do you know about suicide?

2. Do you feel society plays a huge role inside?

3. What do you think can be done to help prevent it?

4. Have you watched 13 Reasons Why, if so what emotions did you feel when watching it?

5. Did you notice any of signs of suicide from Hannah's character?

Let's write on the board all the signs of suicide

1. Share a scene from the show that clearly identifies as a suicidal sign and explain.

2. We see how Hannah's peers are affected by her death, share a character that was affected.

3. There was a moment where Clay was suicidal, what do you think got him to that point?

4. Both Hannah and Jessica were sexually assaulted, how do you think they handled this differently?

5. If one thing had gone differently for Hannah, what would you want it to be?

Shuffle Buns

1. Has you or someone you know ever had suicidal thoughts?

2. Has you or someone you know attempted or committed suicide?

3. Do you or someone you know battle with depression,anxiety or feeling hopeless?

4. Do you or someone you know engage in risky behavior? Such as taking drugs, drinking, etc.

5. Do you or someone you know talk about killing oneself, or express regret about being alive?

6. Do you or someone you know ever feel trapped?

7. Do you or someone you know feel like they are not accepted by family, friends or society?

Hypothetical

1. What would  you do or say  if a friend came to and expressed feeling of being suicidal?

2. How would you feel if a close friend attempted or committed suicide?

3. How do you think  your friends would  feel if you were the one to attempt or commit suicide?

4. How do you think your parents would feel if you attempted or committed suicide?

5. If you or someone know is feeling suicidal what can you do to help?

6. How do you feel about our suicide conversation?  Did it help you understand, did you learn something from this?

They were aware of suicide and a few were watched the show. It was a great talk with my peers. The questions I asked this time around were more developed. The people that came really had a deep discussion. They noticed the signs of suicide in the Show and identified the differences between the certain characters. Along with sharing how the characters are affected by Hannah's suicide. The hypothetical questions were a more personal and I think had them think harder on the answer. Although I hoped for more people to come the talk was great. We went longer than I expected and the people who watched the show really did analyze Hannah's signs along with all her friends. I know it was uncomfortable to talk about but it felt like they were open to talk about it. I did ask and talk a lot about the show because it's shows clear signs of suicide and how peers and parents react and their emotions. The people that came were very open to speaking about suicide. It was great to know my peers at school know about suicide and further their understanding on suicide. 

How I planned everything out: Action Plan

Name of Your Action: 13 Reasons Why Discussion

Date(s):  May 5th, 10th

Venue: Room 222 at San Leandro High School and Bancroft Middle School

4. How do you secure this venue? I asked Viray

5. Who do you need to contact? Amy Nuttbrock to be part or discussion.

6. Venue Confirmed? Yes

Short Description of Event 1-3 sentence

7. A deep discussion of 13 Reasons Why and Suicide prevention. Ill let it be open for the students to speak about what happens in the show and how they feel. Then I'll tell them about the signs to look out for with their friends, also how suicide isn't a joke.

Publicity Plan

8. Hang Flyers around school and contact teachers at the middle school

Logistics (materials needed):

9. Nothing but printed paper signs and flyer

To Do List for your Action

10. 

Give hotlines for it 

Introduce myself and why I choose this as my topic

Show Trailer Open it up for students to talk

Talk about the signs and what people can do to help

Detailed Plan for Action (For workshops, lunchtime activities, and mentoring programs, write a detailed GET IT Workshop. For shows such as open mics or benefits, write a detailed program for the night.)

11. Ask questions, shuffle buns, and write signs on board.

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CONSULTANT

Consultant Background: 

My consultant was Selene Fabiano Ph.D a Staff Clinical Supervisor at Pathways Counseling Center, a program within Girls Incorporated of Alameda County. Selene provides clinical supervision to psychology trainees and interns, and staff therapists. Her clinical work includes individual therapy with children, adolescents and adults. A graduate of Alliant/CSPP, Selene has been a member of the ACPA membership committee and is currently serving as the ACPA treasurer. Selene's evolving clinical interests include attachment- and emotion-focused therapy, as well as integrating mindfulness practices with psychotherapy. She is a community member of the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis. Selene may not completely be an expert on suicide but she did her research.Her way to deal with a client with suicide tendencies is to first do a assessment and follow through with getting to the root cause or reason why her client has these tendencies. She believes that peer support programs make teens more comfortable also that there is so many resources for people to get help if they are feeling this way. In all Selene Fabiano is a expert when it comes to teens and knows the basic skills to help a suicidal client. It was a pleasure to interview her and have her as my consultant.

Interview:

1. What steps do you take when a client has suicidal thoughts?

The first thing is a assessment on the thoughts they are having and for how long. Any safety issues, plans? Or Means? It's about thoughts or actions, the means for it. What triggered the thoughts? What recent events that could have happened or any long time events.

 2. What has best helped your clients when it comes to suicidal thoughts or tendencies?

 The basics having someone to talk to that's non judgemental, not rushing with advice. The saying that longtime solutions to a short time problem. There's a safety plan; things to do when feeling this way, who to talk to. 

3.  Is there specific techniques or skills that could help prevent suicide?

Plan things to help when feeling low….friends,family… human connection. Someone to understand. It's about managing their emotions, a thing called grounding; distraction, overwhelmed emotions and what brings joy

.4. How do you get to the deep cause of suicidal thoughts with your clients open up?

Basic non judgemental things.

Listen Not rushing with advice.Normalizing feelings. Get out the pain they are in

5. Do you feel society plays a huge role on teen suicide? What do you think can be done to help prevent it more?I don't know how other countries societies play a role on teen suicide. Things in society now plays a role. What can do more? More campaigns and making it something someone can talk about . Suicide is like something taboo, not talked about. Needs to be access more for teens at school. Peer support programs because teens feel more comfortable.  It Gets Better is a online resource that helps. Hotlines are great for those who don't want that face to face contact. Texting at the privacy of home is beneficial.“Always make them feel hope.” There's statistics that state, 80 % of college students haven't seen mental health counselors.

People need more availability to help even with financial needs.Hotlines are more accessible.

Interview: 

1.What steps do you take when a client has suicidal thoughts?

The first thing is a assessment on the thoughts they are having and for how long. Any safety issues, plans? Or Means? It's about thoughts or actions, the means for it. What triggered the thoughts? What recent events that could have happened or any long time events.

2. What has best helped your clients when it comes to suicidal thoughts or tendencies?

The basics having someone to talk to that's non judgemental, not rushing with advice. The saying that longtime solutions to a short time problem. There's a safety plan; things to do when feeling this way, who to talk to.

3.  Is there specific techniques or skills that could help prevent suicide?

Plan things to help when feeling low….friends,family… human connection. Someone to understand. It's about managing their emotions, a thing called grounding; distraction, overwhelmed emotions and what brings joy.

4. How do you get to the deep cause of suicidal thoughts with your clients open up?

Basic non judgmental things:

Listen

Not rushing with advice

Normalizing feelings

Get out the pain they are in

5. Do you feel society plays a huge role on teen suicide? What do you think can be done to help prevent it more?

I don't know how other countries societies play a role on teen suicide. Things in society now plays a role. What can do more? More campaigns and making it something someone can talk about . Suicide is like something taboo, not talked about. Needs to be access more for teens at school.

Peer support programs because teens feel more comfortable.  It Gets Better is a online resource that helps.

Hotlines are great for those who don't want that face to face contact. Texting at the privacy of home is beneficial.

“Always make them feel hope.”

There's statistics that state, 80 % of college students haven't seen mental health counselors.

People need more availability to help even with financial needs.

Hotlines are more accessible.

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PUBLICITY AND OUTREACH

Informational Material :

Symbolic Piece: DIY Stress balls made with orbeez.

Cultural Piece: Poem written out the song If I Were A bird by Floetry, I  took words out and made it into my own poem.

Blindness finds me and leads me through darkness

Not allowing me to experience happiness

So I become lifeless

Other times I cover with self pity

Working aimlessly through reality

I choose to be alone

Never fulfil the possibility

I attempt to achieve balance

Seek love

Reviewing lessons of my life

Caught in a stormy eye

World of dreams

I beg for truth

Promises

Love

Hope

Happiness

Come so far but in my life

I'm confused

Afraid

Hurt

Why do feel so alone?

What did I Do?

When did love feel this way?

So much pain and misery

The me I once knew could fly with me

Now I can't stay

Set me free and let me fly

Fly oh Fly Fly

Fly away

If I was the sky

I'd let it rain to wash away the pain

Fly Away

Blindness find me and leads me through darkness

Not allowing me to experience happiness

So I become lifeless

Solidarity Fest Table:

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Pie charts and multiple choice results.

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CONTINUED SURVEY RESULTS

The results for every questions in the survey gave raw data on how teen feel about teenage suicide. The first question asked your age, majority of the people were 17 years old. The second question asked asked ethnicity, every person that took these survey had a different background. The third question asked what did people identify as, majority were females and males. The fourth question asked about their knowledge of teen suicide, most either knew very little or a lot. The fifth question asked who was more likely to consider suicide, the pie chart showed that 90.7% of responses choose female.The sixth question asked if suicide was preventable, 95.3% chose yes it is preventable. The seventh question asked who is affected most, majority chose the age group 16 through 17 years old are most affected. The eighth question asked  how many teens commit suicide in the USA, the results were all different; 23.8% chose over 3000, 16.7% chose 101-500, 21.4% chose 501-1000, 21.4% chose 101-2000, 16.7% chose 2001-3000. The ninth question asked to select all that applied to what the main reason of teens commit suicide, the top three that were selected was; bullying, stress, and family problems. The tenth question asked whats the best way to decrease suicide, a response I got was, “  To actually help the person not just tell them everything will be fine or that it gets better. Actually be there with them, try to do things with them distract them from their suicidal thoughts. From personal experience I never asked for help & I know I needed it but I just didn't want others to know. A lot of them are scared to ask for help & most times you might not even know they feel that way because of how they fake their own happiness. Make them trust you that way you can help them & don't say its wrong for them to feel that way instead help with actions not just words. Actions do speak louder than words and it's what the person sees that they will remember most.” The eleventh question was a personal question that most answered yes. The twelfth question asked would support groups be helpful for teens, majority said yes. The thirtieth question asked what would be most effective to you if you had suicidal tendencies, the top two selected was talking to a therapist or talking to your peers.

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SURVEY RESULTS

 Survey Link: www.tinyurl.com/ptsnsja

This was a anonymous survey that was taken by 43 students at San Leandro High and followers off of Instagram. There were three demographic questions that ask about age, ethnicity and identity. 

5 Important Findings:

1. For question number 4, the results showed that a lot of people knew little or too much about suicide. Students expressed that they’ve known people who have tried or committed suicide. Along with those who shared the knowledge they have about suicide.

2. For question number 7, the results showed that 53.5% of those who took the survey thought that teens ages 16 through 17 is affected more by teen suicide. That age group was the majority of those who took the survey, so its not like its unnoticed or surprising. Students know that it happens around this age which mean there something that needs to done. 

3. For question number 10, A lot of the responses were similar to another, most saying to get support or talk to someone. Its important because just genuine support or talking to someone can help a teen with suicidal thoughts not go further with their actions.

4. For question number 12, I found that 60.5% of those who took the survey believe that with support groups teens with suicidal tendencies can be helped. 

5.The last question of the survey had to be the most important. The results showed that talking to a therapist or counselor and your peers would be the most effective way for those who have suicidal sentences.

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ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

How can teens help others teens prevent teen suicide and suicidal thoughts by encouraging positive self image and counseling?

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PROPOSED ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

Proposed Question 1: How does the media affect a teenagers self image in our American Society? What might be done to help encourage positive self image for teenagers and keep them away from suicidal tendencies/ thoughts?

Proposed Question 2: How does counseling for suicidal teenagers help prevent suicide attempts? What can counselors do to help prevent teenage suicides?

Proposed Question 3: How can building a safe community within schools help prevent teen suicides? What affect will come out of teens helping teens who are suicidal?

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FAQ WORK CITED

Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2017.

"Suicide Rates Climb In U.S., Especially Among Adolescent Girls." NPR. NPR, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2017.

"Teen Suicide Statistics." HealthyChildren.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Dec. 2016.

N.p., n.d. Web.

"Suicide." Suicide, Therapy for Suicide. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2017.

"7 Essential Steps Parents Can Take to Prevent Teen Suicide." Psychology Benefits Society. N.p., 24 Aug. 2015. Web. 11 Jan. 2017.

"Welcome to the Stop Bullying Now Foundation." Welcome to the Stop Bullying Now Foundation. N.p., 11 Jan. 2017. Web. 11 Jan. 2017.

N.p., n.d. Web.

"Suicide Causes." Suicide Causes. Suicide.org. Suicide Causes. Suicide.org. Suicide Causes. Suicide.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2017.

"Troubled Teen Warning Signs | Crosswinds Youth." Crosswinds. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2017.

"Warning Signs of Suicide in Children and Teens-Topic Overview." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2017.

"Coping With Teen Suicide for Parents, Teens and Educators." Jeff Yalden, Youth Motivational Speaker & Teen Coach. N.p., 18 Nov. 2013. Web. 11 Jan. 2017.

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FAQ #10

10.What are the symptoms when it comes to suicidal thoughts ?

There are a number of signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts; the list below contains some of the most common.

Common symptoms of suicidal thoughts include:

Appearing to feel trapped or hopeless

Appearing to have an abnormal preoccupation with violence, dying and/or death

Being in a heightened state of anxiety

Being very moody

Changing personality

Changing routine

Changing sleeping patterns

Consuming (more) drugs

Consuming more alcohol

Engaging in risky behavior, such as driving carelessly or taking drugs

Getting affairs in order

Getting hold of a gun, medications, or substances that could end a life

Giving stuff away

Having depression

Having panic attacks

Impaired concentration

Increased self-criticism

Isolating oneself

Psychomotor agitation - such as pacing around a room, wringing one's hands, taking off clothing and putting it back on, and other such actions

Saying goodbye to others as if it were the last time

Seeming to be unable to experience pleasurable emotions from normally pleasurable life events such as eating, exercise, social interaction or sex

Seeming to have severe remorse

Talking about killing oneself, expressing regret about being alive or ever having been born.

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FAQ # 9

9. How do parents cope with teen suicide?

Carolyn Zahnow says she knew her 18-year-old son, Cameron Stephenson, was struggling with depression, but says she missed the signs that he was suicidal. In 2005, she found Cameron dead, hanging from a rafter in their attic. “Parents have got to be in touch with their kids,” Zahnow said. “They just push them aside. They say, ‘Oh, you're a teenager. You'll be alright.’ You have to pretend they're little kids still. They need you.” Zahnow shares her story with parents and teenagers and urges them to see the signs she missed. She also wrote and self-published a book called, Save the Teens. Looking back, Zahnow says she realizes her son began a downward spiral of depression and drugs around age 15, just after his father died from melanoma. He started having trouble in school and went to rehab several times. One of the key signs she discovered after Cameron’s death was a journal filled with suicidal poetry and disturbing pictures, as well as a suicidal blog. “You could read in the journal all his paranoid thoughts. It was really kind of scary,” she said. Experts say the biggest predictors of youth suicide are depression, relationship problems and substance abuse. A February 2011 study on suicide by the N.C. Division of Public Health showed that, on average, 1,600 people in the state, ages 10 to 19, visit the emergency room each year after suicide attempts. More than 50 children kill themselves each year in the state. “(Parents) all have these blinders on, ‘Oh, my kid won’t do that,’” Zahnow said. “Over and over, I hear parents who have lost teens say, ‘If only I’d seen the signs.’” Zahnow says, although she missed some signs her son was struggling, she feels she did everything she could for him at the time, including sending him to several doctors and therapists. “You just can't save all them. Some people are just determined to die,” she said. Jane Miller, director of the North Carolina Suicide Prevention program, says today’s fast-paced society has contributed to the stress young people feel. Children dealing with crises can often be prone to suicidal thoughts, she said. “Worthlessness, loneliness, you'll see individuals isolate from others,” she said. Miller says the state's research has shown the number one way to prevent youth suicide is parent and community involvement in their lives. Parents should not be judgmental or offer advice – just listen. “(Try) to set aside a time just between you and your child to discuss what's going on in their lives,” she said. The state's Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force has launched a campaign called It's OK 2 Ask, which encourages children and their parents to talk about the issue. “For every suicide, there are at least six individuals that are profoundly affected,” Miller said. Hayley McHugh, a 10th-grader at Wake Forest-Rolesville High School, says she knows what can happen when teens spiral downward. She lost a friend to suicide last year and has had several other friends try to kill themselves. “I think I blame myself for it a little bit. If I'd stayed friends with him, I could have done something,” she said. “It will always be with me. It's not something that you can just have that process of grief and just get over it and accept it. It will always be with you, no matter what.” Cyberspace is a place where teens often share intimate thoughts and, in troubling times, pleas for help. Hayley, 15, says she has seen these pleas. (Report suicidal users on Facebook.) “There (are) more drugs and more problems. Our generation is pretty much diseased,” she said. “We're so deep in the hole that we can't make it better.” Bullying often plays a role in teen depression and suicide, especially name-calling, according to Hayley. “It not only makes them question themselves, but question humanity and what they're doing and how their life is,” she said. Experts who work in the suicide prevention field say one of the biggest issues they face is the unwillingness of parents and school leaders to talk about suicide with children. Some believe talking about suicide puts the idea in a young person’s mind, which health experts say is false. Hayley reiterates the message that communication is key. She says most teenagers strive to make their parents proud. “Acknowledge them in what they do, that they are good enough,” she said. “Just listen to them. That's what I think they really need.” 

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FAQ # 8

8.What is the typical experience on teen suicide?

There are some who consider suicide a human right, and who therefore believe no one should interfere with a person's decision to consider suicide. But this thinking fails to understand that people are divided within themselves: One part of them wants to live and is goal-directed and life-affirming, while the other part is self-critical, self-hating and ultimately self-destructive. This ambivalence is always a factor when it comes to suicide. More than 3,000 people have leapt to their death from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, but out of the 26 people who survived the jump, all 26 reported that the moment they leapt from the bridge, they regretted their action and wanted to live. In his work, Separation Theory, Robert Firestone, PhD, has identified this split within the person as the "real self" and the "anti-self." The real self represents the life-affirming side of the individual while the 2 anti-self represents the self-destructive elements of the personality. The critical inner voice is a negative thought process that can be conceptualized as the language of the anti-self. These negative thoughts exist on a continuum, from mild self-criticism to extreme self-hatred to injunctions directing a person to suicide. Self-destructive behaviors also exist on a continuum from self-denial to substance abuse to actual suicide. Research demonstrates that a relationship exists between these two continuums; thus, how a person is thinking is predictive of how he or she is likely to behave. When someone decides to take his or her life, that person is acting out the will of the anti-self. The therapist who understands how this division operates within a suicidal person can challenge the distorted filter of a client's anti-self while developing and supporting his or her real self. This will enable the client to reconnect with and strengthen the real self and rediscover the natural desire to survive.

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FAQ # 7

7. What are the signs for teen suicides?

Talking or joking about committing suicide, things like, “I’d be better off dead,” “I wish I could disappear forever,” or “There’s no way out.”  Or speaking positively about death or romanticizing dying (“If I died, people might love me more”).Writing stories and poems about death, dying, or suicide.Engaging in reckless behavior or having a lot of accidents resulting in injury.Giving away prized possessions.Saying goodbye to friends and family as if for the last time.Seeking out weapons, pills, or other ways to kill themselves.Neglecting personal appearance.Running away from home. Risk-taking behavior, such as reckless driving or being sexually promiscuous. A change in personality (such as from upbeat to quiet) .Signs of depression, which can lead to suicidal behavior, include: Feeling sad, empty, or tearful nearly every day. Loss of interest in activities that were enjoyed in the past.Changes in eating and sleeping habits.Difficulty thinking and concentrating. Complaints of continued boredom.Complaints of headaches, stomach aches, or fatigue with no actual physical problems. Expressions of guilt and/or not allowing anyone to give him or her praise or rewards.

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FAQ #6

6.  What causes suicides? 

Over 90 percent of people who die by suicide have a mental illness at the time of their death.

And the most common mental illness is depression.Untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide.Untreated mental illness (including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and others) is the cause for the vast majority of suicides. Also, some people are genetically predisposed to depression, and thus they may not appear to be undergoing any negative life experiences, yet still become depressed, and may die by suicide.So, some people die by suicide because of a depression that was caused by genetics. You probably have heard about some individuals who died by suicide and did not exhibit any symptoms or appear to have any serious problems. In these cases, it is possible that the person had depression that occured because of this genetic factor.It is very rare that someone dies by suicide because of one cause. Thus, there are usually several causes, and not just one, for suicide.Many people die by suicide because depression is triggered by several negative life experiences, and the person does not receive treatment – or does not receive effective treatment – for the depression. (Some people need to go through several treatments until they find one that works for them.) Some of the negative life experiences that may cause depression, and some other causes for depression, include:

The death of a loved one.

A divorce, separation, or breakup of a relationship

Losing custody of children, or feeling that a child custody decision is not fair.

A serious loss, such as a loss of a job, house, or money.

A serious illness.

A terminal illness.

A serious accident.

Chronic physical pain.

Intense emotional pain.

Loss of hope.

Being victimized (domestic violence, rape, assault, etc).

A loved one being victimized (child murder, child molestation, kidnapping, murder, rape, assault, etc.).

Physical abuse.

Verbal abuse.

Sexual abuse.

Unresolved abuse (of any kind) from the past.

Feeling "trapped" in a situation perceived as negative.

Feeling that things will never "get better."

Feeling helpless.Serious legal problems, such as criminal prosecution or incarceration.

Feeling "taken advantage of."Inability to deal with a perceived "humiliating" situation.Inability to deal with a perceived "failure."

Alcohol abuse.

Drug abuse.

A feeling of not being accepted by family, friends, or society.

A horrible disappointment.

Feeling like one has not lived up to his or her high expectations or those of another.

Bullying. (Adults, as well as children, can be bullied.)

Low self-esteem.

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FAQ #5

5. Is most teen suicides from bullying at schools?

Bullying is when a person or group repeatedly tries to harm someone who is weaker or who they think is weaker. Sometimes it involves direct attacks such as hitting, name calling, teasing or taunting. Sometimes it is indirect, such as spreading rumors or trying to make others reject someone.Often people dismiss bullying among kids as a normal part of growing up. But bullying is harmful. It can lead children and teenagers to feel tense and afraid. It may lead them to avoid school. In severe cases, teens who are bullied may feel they need to take drastic measures or react violently. Others even consider suicide. For some, the effects of bullying last a lifetime. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4,400 deaths per year, according to the CDC. For every suicide among young people, there are at least 100 suicide attempts. Over 14 percent of high school students have considered suicide, and almost 7 percent have attempted it. Bully victims are between 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims, according to studies by Yale University. A study in Britain found that at least half of suicides among young people are related to bullying. 10 to 14 year old girls may be at even higher risk for suicide, according to the study above. According to statistics reported by ABC News, nearly 30 percent of students are either bullies or victims of bullying, and 160,000 kids stay home from school every day because of fear of bullying. Bully-related suicide can be connected to any type of bullying, including physical bullying, emotional bullying, cyberbullying, and sexting, or circulating suggestive or nude photos or messages about a person. Some schools or regions have more serious problems with bullying and suicide related to bullying. This may be due to an excessive problem with bullying at the school. It could also be related to the tendency of students who are exposed to suicide to consider suicide themselves.

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FAQ #4

4. How can teen suicide be prevented?

Parents can help prevent suicide by recognizing warning signs, identifying risk factors (characteristics that may lead a young person to engage in suicidal behaviors), promoting protective factors (characteristics that help people deal with stress and reduce their chances of engaging in suicidal behaviors), and knowing how to talk to their children and seek mental health services. Empower teens by following these 7 steps.

1. Know your facts:

Information is power and too much misinformation about suicide can have tragic consequences. Separating myth from fact can empower teen in distress.

Myth – Suicide in youth is not a problem.

Truth – Suicide is a major problem affecting youth; it is the 3rd leading cause of death among 10-24 year olds.

Myth – Asking about suicide causes suicidal behavior.

Truth – Addressing the topic of suicide in a caring, empathetic, and nonjudgmental way shows that you are taking your child seriously and responding to their emotional pain.

Myth – Only a professional can identity a child at risk for suicidal behavior.

Truth – Parents and other caregivers often are the first to recognize warning signs and most able to intervene in a loving way.

2. Recognize the warning signs.

Studies show that 4 out of 5 teen suicide attempts are preceded by clear warning signs, so make sure to know them. A warning sign does not mean your child will attempt suicide, but do not ignore warning signs. Respond to immediately, thoughtfully and with loving concern. Don’t dismiss a threat as a cry for attention!

Changes in personality: sadness, withdrawal, irritability, anxiety, exhaustion, indecision Fear of losing control: erratic behavior, harming self or others 3. Know the risk factors  Recognize certain situations and conditions that are associated with an increased risk of suicide.

Previous suicide attempt(s)

Mental health disorders (depression, anxiety) 

Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, guilt, loneliness, worthlessness, low self-esteem

Loss of interest in friends, hobbies, or activities previously enjoyed 

Aggressive behavior

Bullying or being a bully at school or in social settings

Disruptive behavior, including disciplinary problems at school or at home

High risk behaviors (drinking and driving, poor decision-making)

Recent/serious loss (death, divorce, separation, broken romantic relationship,)

Alcohol and other substance abuse

Family violence (domestic violence, child abuse or neglect)

Family history of suicide

Sexual orientation and identity confusion (lack of support or bullying during the coming out process)

Access to lethal means like firearms, pills, knives or illegal drugs

Stigma associated with seeking mental health services

Barriers to accessing mental health services (lack of bilingual service providers, unreliable transportation, financial costs)

4. Know the protective factors

These factors have been shown to have protective effects against teen suicide:

Skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and handling problems in a nonviolent way

Strong connections to family, friends, and community support

Restricted from lethal means of suicide Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support self-preservation

Easy access to services

Support through ongoing medical and mental health care relationships

5. Take preventive measures

You are not powerless; you can guard your teen against the possibility of suicide.

Interact with your teen positively (give consistent feedback, compliments for good work.)

Increase his/her involvement in positive activities (promote involvement in clubs/sports)

Appropriately monitor your teen’s whereabouts and communications (texting, Facebook, Twitter) with the goal of promoting safety

Be aware of your teen’s social environment (friends, teammates, coaches) and communicate regularly with other parents in your community.

Communicate regularly with your teen’s teachers to ensure safety at school

Limit your teen’s access to alcohol, prescription pills, illegal drugs, knives and guns

Talk with your teen about your concerns; ask him/her directly about suicidal thoughts

Explain the value of therapy and medication to manage symptoms.

Address your concerns with other adults in your child’s life (teachers, coaches, family)

Discuss your concerns with his/her pediatrician to seek mental health referrals

6. Talk to your teen about suicide

Talking to your teen about a topic like suicide can seem almost impossible. Have this important discussion with your teen by using these tips.

Reassure your adolescent that seeking services can change his/her outlook

Talk in a calm, non-accusatory manner

Express loving concern

Convey how important he/she is to you

Focus on your concern for your teen’s well-being and health

Make “I” statements to convey you understand the stressors he/she may be experiencing

Encourage professional help-seeking behaviors (locate appropriate resources)

7. Last but not least, seek mental health services.

Mental health professionals can be essential partners in teen suicide prevention.

a) Take appropriate action to protect your child

If you feel that something is “just not right”

If you notice warning signs

If you recognize your child has many of the risk factors and few of the protective factors listed above

b) Find a mental health provider who has experience with youth suicide.

Choose a mental health provider with whom your child and you are comfortable

Participate actively in your child’s therapy

c) If danger is imminent, call 911 or take your child to the nearest emergency room