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Youth suicide is a serious issue, with many adolescents facing mental health challenges. The signs of depression can include irritability, anxiety, poor school performance, and more. Common symptoms are emotional distress and physical complaints. Understanding the risks and impacts is crucial for effective prevention. If you or someone you know is struggling, it’s essential to reach out for help. Resources like school counselors, hotlines, and supportive services are available. Let’s work together to prevent youth suicide and create a supportive community.
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Signs and Symptoms of Depression • Irritability • Anxiety • Physical complaints • Over-reaction to criticism • Poor school performance www.yspp.org
Possible Impacts of Depression • School or work effects - missing class • Physical Effects - losing weight • Emotional or personal effects - friends annoyed that I am always “down” www.yspp.org
Benefits of Getting Help • Someone to listen • Learn skills for coping • Support www.yspp.org
Suicidal Behaviors • Thoughts • Attempts • Death www.yspp.org
Facts & Myths About Suicide • True or False? Two Washington State youth complete suicide each week • True or False? One out of ten youth attempts suicide • True or False? One out of five youth seriously considers suicide • True or False? Talking about suicide will “cause” someone to do it • True or False? A person who talks about suicide is not really serious about dying • True or False? Over 30% of GLB (gay, lesbian, bisexual) youth attempt suicide www.yspp.org
The Point Is… • Youth suicide is a major problem in Washington State • Talking about suicide may help to save a life www.yspp.org
Additional Risk Factors forGLBTQ Youth: • Gender nonconformity • Coming out: • Early • Not coming out to anyone • Homophobia • Internalized homophobia/Internal conflict • Heterosexism • Lack of access to gay/trans friendly services
Underlying Causes of Suicidal Behavior Individual • Depression, hopelessness anxiety • drugs and/or alcohol use School Relationships Failing grades Suspension School pressures Rejection Break up with girlfriend/ boyfriend Pregnancy Bullying Home Family conflicts/fights Death/divorce Abuse Rejection www.yspp.org
The Point is…. • LOSS is a common theme. • There are usually many causes. www.yspp.org
Warning Signs • Suicide-Risk Behaviors - Past attempts - Talking about suicide, making plans - Preoccupation with death • Depression - Moody, down - Feeling hopeless, withdrawing • Drug Use • Things that Risk - Easy access to guns - Impulsiveness - No one to talk to - Victimization experiences www.yspp.org
What is NOT Helpful Ignoring or dismissing the issue - “Oh, let’s talk about something else.” - “You’ll meet another girl and forget this one; you’re a great guy.” Acting shocked or embarrassed - “You aren’t REALLY thinking of suicide, are you?” Challenging or debating - “So go ahead; see if things really DO get better.” - “Don’t you know that it is wrong to kill yourself?” Giving harmful advice - “Let’s go get drunk and forget about all our problems.” www.yspp.org
What IS Helpful Show You Care -Listen carefully “I’m concerned about you . . . about how you feel.” www.yspp.org
What IS Helpful Ask the Question -Be direct, but caring & non-confrontational “Are you thinking about suicide?”
What IS Helpful Get Help -Do not leave him/her alone “You’re not alone. Let me help you.”
Youth Suicide: Resources • School counselor • Crisis telephone hotline: 1-800-273-TALK 1-866-4-U-Trevor (GLBT support) • Physician/health care provider • Mental health specialist • Coaches & youth leaders • Parents & clergy • GLBT friendly services/people in community and schools www.yspp.org