Suicide Prevention For Teens
-Suicide is the 5TH leading cause of death for children ages 5-14
-Suicide is the 3RD leading cause of death for teens ages 15-24
-Every 17 minutes, a teen in the United States commits suicide
-Each suicide immediately affects at least 6 people
-Suicide is the 3RD leading cause of death for teens ages 15-24
-Every 17 minutes, a teen in the United States commits suicide
-Each suicide immediately affects at least 6 people
WARNING SIGNS
-Drastic change in sleep patterns and/or appetite
-Frequent stomachaches or headaches
-Change in friends or social withdrawal
-Stopping care for appearance or hygeine
-Overemotional behavior
-Hopelessness or depression
-Recent loss, sometimes to suicide
-Increased risk-taking
-Use of drugs or alcohol
-Decreased academic performance
-Organizing or giving away posessions
-Talking or writing about death
-Previous suicide attempts
-Saying goodbye
-Frequent stomachaches or headaches
-Change in friends or social withdrawal
-Stopping care for appearance or hygeine
-Overemotional behavior
-Hopelessness or depression
-Recent loss, sometimes to suicide
-Increased risk-taking
-Use of drugs or alcohol
-Decreased academic performance
-Organizing or giving away posessions
-Talking or writing about death
-Previous suicide attempts
-Saying goodbye
ASK QUESTIONS
-Encourage them to talk openly
-Show them that you care
-Take them seriously, suicide is not a joke
-Ask them directly if they are contemplating suicide
-If so, ask them about their path of action
-If they have a path of action, chances are that they are ready to make an attempt
-"Are you depressed?"
-"Are you suicidal?"
-"Are you thinking about hurting yourself?"
-"What can I do to help?"
-Show them that you care
-Take them seriously, suicide is not a joke
-Ask them directly if they are contemplating suicide
-If so, ask them about their path of action
-If they have a path of action, chances are that they are ready to make an attempt
-"Are you depressed?"
-"Are you suicidal?"
-"Are you thinking about hurting yourself?"
-"What can I do to help?"
PREVENTION
Every 17 minutes, a teen in the United States commits suicide. Unlike other causes of death, suicide is the only one not decreasing. It is a scary statistic, yet one that is becoming a reality in more and more places across the country. Some warning signs are evident, if you know what to look for. Victims may say things like "I don't want to be here" or "I can't take it anymore". Most people just push it away and think it is nothing. Suicide should always be taken seriously. You may not realize it now, but you could be in a situation like this at any moment. It could be a friend, family member, or a complete stranger. When suicides occur, they are devastating. Each suicide immediately affects at least six people. You could easily be one of those six. The phrase "there are no warning signs" is a myth. Signs are always there. You just have to look for them. Every 17 minutes, a teen in the United States is lost to suicide. Don't roll the dice with someone's life. Take a look around you, it could save a life.
-James Kontoules
SP&I TF Commander
-James Kontoules
SP&I TF Commander