YOUTH SUICIDE: THERE IS HOPE!

1. TRINA EVANS WILLIAMS, MPH, CHES STATE PROJECT DIRECTOR DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HOSPITALS OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH YOUTH SUICIDE: THERE IS HOPE! Louisiana Partnership for Youth Suicide Prevention “ A Call to Hope and A Call to Life” Gumbo of Results! Gumbo of Results! Louisiana Partnership for Youth Suicide Prevention- “ Evolution of Suicide Prevention in Louisiana!”

2. SUICIDE IS A SERIOUS PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM: • Every day 86 Americans take their own life. • Every day 16 American youth die by suicide. • Every day over 1500 attempt suicide. Although more females attempt suicide than males, males are at least 4X’s more likely to die from suicide. • Firearms are the most common means of suicide among U.S. Men and Women accounting for 59% of all suicide deaths. • Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death and homicide is the 14th for Americans. That is more Americans kill themselves than are killed by others!-National Strategy for Suicide Prevention--

3. YOUTH SUICIDE: A SERIOUS PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM “The Road to Life” • More U.S. teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects,stroke, pneumonia and influenza, and chronic lung disease combined! • 1952-1996, reported rates of suicide among adolescents and young adults nearly tripled!

4. YOUTH SUICIDE: A SERIOUS PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM • Among youth aged 15-19 years, firearms-related suicides accounted for 96% of the increase in the suicide rate since 1980. • Among American Youth 15-24 years of age, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death, exceeded only by unintentional injury & homicide.

5. NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION • “Newly released data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reveal that approximately 900,000 youths ages 12-17 made a plan to commit suicide during their worst or most recent episode on major depression and 712,000 acted on that plan by attempting suicide!” • Charles G. Curie, Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-January 2006-Advancing Suicide Prevention Volume II Issue I

6. STORIES OF SUICIDE IN LOUISIANA • December 13, 2001-World Trade Center Widow Age 51-Dies by suicide. Originally from Louisiana. Her Friend said that she had just lost her will to live, she lost Hope! • August 2001-Louisiana Teen, Age 13-Report that youth and class mate were previously playing “Pass-Out”game-Older Sibling had attempted previously. • Year 2002-Baton Rouge Crisis Center –Survivors of Suicide Quilt • Year 2003-Louisiana Teen, Age 16-Report that youth was very active in his Youth Ministry at his local church • Year 2004-Stories of Suicide of family members and best friends of Yellow Ribbon Winners • Hurricane Katrina and Rita Hits Louisiana-More Stories of Suicide, suicide attempts and more calls to the 1-800-273-TALK number in which our crisis call centers are answering the calls 24 hours 7 days a week!’

7. STORIES OF SUICIDE • Year 2006-2008-More Stories of Suicide • Year 2008-LPYSP and statewide partners intervenes on various suicide attempt situations • Year 2008-High School Principal dies by suicide • Year 2009-Student shoots at teacher and dies by suicide • Every Year an average of 497 Louisiana residents died by suicide and 100 are youth and children. • In Louisiana an average of 1.4 suicides each day • In Louisiana an average of 7.2 attempts every day • Alarming news-adolescent age 15-19 had the highest hospitalized attempt rate: 16% of hospitalized attempts • Source is SPRC-Louisiana Fact Sheet

8. Children’s Defense Fund Statement: “Katrina children and all children in our nation. Katina’s children face specific emergency mental health, health and education needs right now but they and all children need their families, communities and leaders to ensure them a healthy and safe foundation in the early years and a chance to reach productive self sufficient adulthood. Katrina’s Children are America’s opportunity to -once again-to heed the call to protect!” Children’s Mental Health Does Matter! Adolescents’ Mental Health Does Matter! KATRINA’S CHILDREN:“A Call to Action!” Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike hits landfall in Louisiana!!!!

9. CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!!!! • About every 2 hours a young person kills himself or herself. • 3,000,000 teenagers have considered or attempted suicide in the past year. • Untreated youth with co-occurring conditions have high rates of suicide. • Some victims of bullying have attempted or completed suicide to escape the harassment. • 1 in every 33 children may have depression • 1 in 10 children in the United States suffer from mental illness severe enough to cause some level of impairment and only one in five of these same children receive specialty mental health services in any given year. • A survey conducted by the National Mental Health Association showed that only one third of Americans believe that children’s mental health disabilities can be effectively treated but, the treatment success rate for children’s mental health disorders is 80%. • 74% of students who are categorized as seriously emotionally disabled drop out of school and are arrested within 5 years of dropping out

10. CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS “The Road to Life” We are committed to focusing on the behavioral, emotional, mental and social health of all children.

11. Cause of Death by Age in USA Suicide ranks among Top 5 Causes for all ages 10 to 54 years of age • 18th for 5-9 (6 deaths) and 65+ (5,248) • 8th for 55-64 yrs (3,843) 11th ranking cause for nation Source: CDC WISQARS

12. Attempted Suicide & Age Attempts are most common among the young! Attempted Suicides • Estimates of youth suicide attempts to completions are as high as 300:1 Suicides Young 100:1 Elderly 4:1

13. Proportion of USA Suicidesby Age Groupings Adult population aged 25-44 years comprises the largest absolute number of suicides Note: Age was not stated for 7 deaths in 2003. 45-64 yrs 10,324 65+ yrs 5,248 32.8% 16.7% 13.5% 5-24 yrs 4,238 37.1% 25-44 yrs 11,667 Training Created by the Baton Rouge Intervention Center

14. Number of Suicide Survivors It is Estimated that there are 6 survivors for each death by suicide • Ratio implies at least 175,000 survivors each year A “suicide survivor” is someone who has lost a loved one to death by suicide 2,808 in Louisiana Training Created by the Baton Rouge Intervention Center

15. Stigma & Barriers to Help-Seeking Understanding the Myths • The concepts of fear and shame are the foundation for the stigma surrounding depression, suicide & mental distress. • Mental Distress is not a sign of weakness. • Mental Distress is not a lack of character or courage. • You can’t “talk yourself out of it” or “man-up” or “pull yourself up by your bootstraps”. Training Created by the Baton Rouge Intervention Center

16. WARNING SIGNS • Threatening to hurt or kill oneself • Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills or other means • Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person • Feeling Hopeless • Feeling Trapped-Like there’s no way out of the pain!!!!! As long as Louisianans are suffering on the “Road of Life” and are thinking about suicide, there is work in Louisiana that need to be done to prevent suicide!!!!

17. WARNING SIGNS • Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities---seemingly without thinking • Increasing alcohol or drug use • Feeling anxious, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time • Experiencing dramatic mood swings • Withdrawing from friends, family and society • Seeing no reason for living or having no sense or purpose in life As long as children and youth attending Louisiana schools are suffering on the “Road of Life” and are thinking about suicide, there is work in Louisiana that need to be done to prevent suicide!!!!

18. Suicidal Behavior in High School Students In the past year: 1/4 1/6 1/6 1/12 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance, USA, 2003 (CDC, 2004)

19. In the typical high school classroom... 1 male and 2 females have probably attempted suicide in the past year Source: King (1997, p. 66) In an average high school classroom in Louisiana…… What things are weighing down our students?

20. Warning Signs of SuicideFeelings Lonely Sad Hopeless Helpless Worthless Apathetic Angry Guilty Desperate Ashamed Distressed Scared Training Created by the Baton Rouge Intervention Center

21. Warning SignsThoughts “All of my problems will end soon.” “I just can’t take it anymore.” “I wish I were dead.” “No one can do anything to help me.” “I’m at the end of my rope.” “Everyone will be better off without me..” Training Created by the Baton Rouge Intervention Center

22. Warning SignsActions Withdrawal from family, friends, co-workers... Loss of interest in activities, hobbies, sports... Making final arrangements – giving away possessions, tidying up, “saying” good-bye Recklessness or impulsivity Extreme behavior changes – negative AND positive Abuse of alcohol or drugs Self-mutilation Preoccupation with death or dying Training Created by the Baton Rouge Intervention Center

23. Warning SignsPhysical Lack of interest in appearance Changes in appetite/weight Changes in sleep patterns Lack of physical energy Change/loss in sexual interest Increase in minor ailments Training Created by the Baton Rouge Intervention Center

24. Warning SignsSituations Death/loss of someone close Divorce, separation, relationship problems Sexual, physical or emotional abuse Work, relationship, financial problems Addictive Behaviors - Dependency on alcohol, drugs, gambling Criminal activity or court involvement RECENT SIGNIFICANT CHANGE OR LOSS. Training Created by the Baton Rouge Intervention Center

25. Warning Signs Warning signs can be any combination of these things. Ask yourself: What is this person experiencing? How is this person coping? What “signs” am I seeing? What are my instincts telling me? Remember, warning signs are invitations to help! Training Created by the Baton Rouge Intervention Center

26. Red STOP Ask the Question Yellow LISTEN Get information Green GO Make a safe plan Training Created by the Baton Rouge Intervention Center

27. Asking the Question NO DANCING AROUND THE SUBJECT! Be direct and specific. Don’t leave room for misinterpretation or misunderstanding. “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” Training Created by the Baton Rouge Intervention Center

28. Getting More Information STOP 1 - Ask about a plan & get specifics • what method, when, where? 2 – Exploreif “high risk” factors exist • attempter or survivor? • experienced loss or trauma? • using alcohol or drugs? 3 – Resources/Supports • how alone is this person? LISTEN GO Training Created by the Baton Rouge Intervention Center

29. Making a Safe Plan 1 - Let the person know that you are taking this seriously and that you will continue to help. 2 - Create a “safe plan” that works for both of you – your comfort level is important, too. 3 – Remove the method(s) – gun, pills, rope, etc. 4 - Get others involved – family, friends, school personnel, minister, therapist, etc. 5 - Look into resources to assist with problem areas. Training Created by the Baton Rouge Intervention Center

30. Educating Others about Depression & Suicide The recognition of suicide as a serious public health problem and the advocacy of Americans who have lost someone to suicide have galvanized action to stop the loss of life and the suffering caused by suicide. • “In its severest forms, depression paralyzes all of the otherwise vital forces that make us human, leaving instead a bleak, despairing, desperate, and deadened state. . . The body is bone-weary; there is no will; everything is an effort and nothing seems worth it. Death by suicide is not a gentle deathbed gathering: it rips apart lives and beliefs, and sets its survivors on a prolonged and devastating journey.” • -Kay Redfield Jamison, Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide Training Created by the Baton Rouge Intervention Center

31. LPYSP!“A STATEWIDE IMPERATIVE ON THE MOVE” BUSBOARDS= 910, 890 POTENTIAL MEDIA HITS PLEASE JOIN US!!!!!

32. TAKE ACTION! • Youth Suicide is a serious public health problem! U.S. Surgeon General states that “Americans nationwide can make a difference in preventing suicide and suicidal behaviors!” LA Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force urges you as Louisianans-”We Must Talk About It, We Must Act Now, We Must Work Towards Preventing Another Louisiana Youth Suicide”

33. LA TASK FORCE ADDRESSES YOUTH SUICIDE • History • “This task force was developed out of the OPH-Louisiana Adolescent Health Initiative of the Family Planning Program in 2000 as a statewide response to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Call to Action to prevent suicide.” • Trina Evans Williams, Chairperson –LA Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force

34. YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION IS A LOUISIANA PRIORITY? • Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death foradolescents in and the 2nd leading cause of death for college aged youth in Louisiana and in the nation! • Adolescent Suicide cuts across ethnic, economic and social boundaries and has a tremendous and traumatic impact on survivors who are at high risk of suicide and emotional problems! • This is an issue that not only affects the victim, in addition it affects the victim’s family, friends, community and schools! • For every suicide they are approximately 100 survivors that are affected by that one death and are at risk for taking their own lives!

35. LA YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION TASK FORCE “KEY INGREDIENT PART I” • Louisiana’s State Suicide Prevention Plan is entitled, “Louisiana S.T.A.R. Plan” • This plan is based on the national strategy and incorporates its eleven goals. • Within this framework, the plan consists of core strategies which encompass education, clinical and professional organizations, public health, community-based initiatives, media youth serving organizations, legislation and the public-at-large.

36. LA YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION TASK FORCE HIGHLIGHTS • LA S.T.A.R. Plan to Prevent Youth Suicides was developed • Statewide Activities • Training of Gatekeepers • Awareness and Advocacy • Resources and Resolutions

37. PARTNERS IN SUICIDE PREVENTION“KEY INGREDIENT PART II” “Suicide Prevention is Everybody’s Business!” • Survivors • State Agency Support • Public Health professionals • Mental Health professionals • Medical Providers • Education Professionals • Law Enforcement • Youth Programs and Parents • Community Groups • Churches and Civic groups • College and Universities “Suicide Prevention is Everybody’s Business!”

38. Louisiana Partnership for Youth Suicide Prevention“KEY INGREDIENT PART III” • Louisiana Office of Mental Health has been awarded funds under the Garret Lee Smith Memorial Act (SAMHSA) to implement the Louisiana Partnership for Youth Suicide Prevention.

39. Develop broad based support for Suicide Prevention at local and statewide levels Increase High Quality Peer Support Programs in schools and universities Yellow Ribbon Chapters Expand Gatekeeper Trainings Suicide 101 2-Day ASIST 1-Week ASIST Train of Trainers Safe Talk Promote Awareness that Suicide is a Preventable Public Health Problem through the LPYSP Media Campaign Improve and expand data collection efforts Provide screenings for at-risk adolescents utilizing the Teen Screen model Create 5 community coalitions with identified leadership Provide leadership avenues for at-risk adolescents-Safe Talk Health Summits Include sessions on youth suicide as part of existing statewide meetings, in-services, conferences and trainings Integrate SP into existing programmatic activities To create a sustainable, effective program that impacts the physical and mental health of adolescents and their families To create a sustainable continuous system of care model that can be adapted statewide LPYSP UTILIZING BEST PRACTICE STRATEGIES“KEY INGREDIENT PART IV”

40. 2009LPYSP TAKING ACTION “Knowing is not enough; we must APPLY. Willing is not enough we must Do !”

41. LPYSP IS ON THE MOVE! BUSBOARDS= 910, 890 POTENTIAL MEDIA HITS AWARENESS IS KEY!!!!! PLEASE JOIN US!!!!!

42. LPYSP UPDATEYellow Ribbon Media Campaign Tactic Duration Placement Potential Media Hits

43. 2007 LPYSP UPDATE: Yellow Ribbon Week Activities Participants Event Location “ A total of 1,010 individuals participated in the 2007 Yellow Ribbon Week Activities. Additionally, various promotional materials such as Yellow Ribbon cards (1000), brochures (600), tool bags (300), and yellow ribbon promotional packets (500) were distributed during the week’s events. Materials like the cards and brochures provided information about prevention, including resources such as the 1-800-273-TALK number; the other items created even more awareness for the issue of youth suicide prevention in the state of Louisiana.”

44. 2008 LPYSP UPDATE: Yellow Ribbon Week Activities Participants Event Location “ A total of 915 individuals participated in the 2008 Yellow Ribbon Week Activities. Additionally, various promotional materials such as LPYSP Awareness Cards (4000), posters (4000), tool bags (300), and yellow ribbon promotional packets (800) were distributed to promote the week’s events.

45. LOUISIANA SUICIDE PREVENTIONYELLOW RIBBON WEEK ACTIVITIESSeptember 20, 2009 - September 26, 2009 • Sep 20-Youth Suicide Prevention At Louisiana Movie Theaters, Shopping Malls and Area Churches • Sept 21-Educating the Community on Yellow Ribbon Information at Push Packet Distribution Day • Sept 21-23-Local Coalitions Suicide Prevention “Awareness Summits” with area churches, universities and service providers • Sept 24-Louisiana Schools at the 2009 Suicide Prevention “Youth Rally” on the Steps of the State Capitol • Sept 25-3rd Annual Louisiana Taking Action to Prevent Suicide Tool Bag Conference • Sep 26-LA Out of the Darkness Community Walk and Announcement of Annual Poster/Essay Contest Winner

46. LPYSP UPDATETEEN SCREEN & Safe Talk Health Summits Event # of Participants

47. A Taste Of New Orleans Youth Summit! FUN, FUN AND MORE FUN! Free Agents Brass Band PRIZES RAFFLE DYNAMIC SPEAKERS: Youthanasia Youth Leaders, Poets, Dancers and Presenting Mr. Stanley Schofield Refreshments

48. 2009 LPYSP UPDATECommunity Coalitions

49. LPYSP Working Effectively with Local Coalitions“Year Round Community Awareness Approach!” • JYSPEC Coalition-Awareness Summit (2) • May 2008 Children’s Mental Health Week • September 2008-Yellow Ribbon Week • Southwest LA Suicide Prevention Coalition Awareness Summit • September 2008-Yellow Ribbon Week • SPICY Coalition-Awareness Summit • December 1, 2008 • RISE Coalition Upcoming Awareness Summit • February 5, 2009 • Awareness! Awareness! Awareness! • Lunch and Learn Community Awareness Tool! Sharing the Keys of Awareness and Hope! Sharing the Keys of Awareness and Hope! “Year Round Community Awareness Approach!”

50. “STEPS OF SUSTAINABILITY”LPYSP Gatekeeper Trainings Types of Training Parishes Included Number of Participants