Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention, Inc. FISP Presents Suicide Prevention and Intervention for Foster Families Presented by Jackie Rosen, FISP Executive Director/CEO 1
Today s Program Objectives: 1. Suicide Prevention- The facts and figures about suicide Dispelling suicide myths The warning signs What are the protective factors? 2. Intervention- As a Foster parent you are a GATEKEEPER! Can you identify a suicidal person? Do you know Intervention TECHNIQUES? Can you Identify Resources? Is your foster child a victim of Bullying and/or Bullycide? 3. Postvention- How you help Child Survivors of Suicide 2
DID YOU KNOW? More Americans (19 million) suffer from depression than coronary heart disease (17 million), cancer (12 million), and HIV/AIDS (1 million). In 2009 there were 36,909 suicides in U.S. Every 14.2 minutes there is a suicide every 38 Seconds an attempt There are twice as many deaths by suicide as there are by HIV Aids and homicide! Suicide is the second highest killer of college students. Suicide is the third highest killer of teens. At least 12 young people BETWEEN 10 and 19 die each day of suicide. 3
FLORIDA S SUICIDE STATISTICS Florida s children have more contact with suicide! Florida has the 2nd highest number of suicides in the Nation. Florida has the 17 th highest rate of suicide by population. Broward County has highest rate of suicide in Florida. The youngest two Broward suicides were by 7and 9 year old boys. 4
MYTHS OR TRUTHS Learn the truth so you can help prevent more suicides. Which of the following is true? 1. Talking about suicide will plant the idea of suicide. 2. Suicide is not usually caused by one traumatic event. 3. Most suicidal people want to die. 4. Suicide is preventable. 5. Most suicidal people do not give clues. 6. Depression is one of the main causes of suicide. 7. Suicide runs in families. 8. Only one in three depressed people get help. 9. There are certain ethnic groups of people who die of suicide. 10. Suicide is a sin. 5
OUR Children are More Stressed and Depressed then Ever! Pre-schoolers are the fastest-growing market for antidepressants. At least four percent of preschoolers --over a million --are clinically depressed. The rate of increase of depression among children is an astounding 23%. 15% of those suffering from depression die by suicide. 6
TEEN SUICIDES The National Institute of Mental Health believes that as many as 25 suicides are attempted for each one that is completed. 4400 lives lost each year. The top three methods used in suicides of young people include firearm (46%), suffocation (37%), and poisoning (8%). That means that for every teen suicide that you hear of, there are probably at least 25 suicide attempts made and this does not even cover the teenage suicide attempts and completed suicides that are never heard about. Understanding that a teen suicide attempt is a call for help is essential in preventing completed attempts later. Nationally, approximately 69 out of every 1,000 teens will seriously consider (CDC, 2009) attempting suicide. Sixty-five hundred American teenagers complete suicide every year Suicide rates for 10-19 year-old females and 15-19 year-old males increased significantly in 2004. WHY? Half the children in school are bullied at some time during the school year, 10% on a regular bases. Some result in suicide.
GLBT Suicides. Gay, Lesbian,Bisexual, and Transgender 30% of GLBT youth versus 13% of heterosexual youth had attempted suicide at some point. 1. A variety of studies indicate that GLBT youth are nearly 1.5 to 3 times more likely to have reported suicidal ideation than non-glbt youth. 2. Research also revealed that GLBT youth are nearly 1.5 to 7 times more likely than non-glbt youth to have reported attempting suicide. 3. Studies found that 28.1 percent of gay or bisexual males in grades 7 through 12 had attempted suicide at least once during their lives, while only 4.2 percent of heterosexual males in those grades had attempted suicide. 4. The corresponding percentages for females were 20.5 percent for lesbian or bisexual females and 14.5 percent for heterosexual females. 8
Transgender Suicide Statistics More than half of transgender and gender non-conforming people who were bullied, harassed or assaulted in school because of their gender identity have attempted suicide, according the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, conducted by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and National Center for Transgender Equality. 41% of all respondents reported that they had attempted suicide, compared with a national estimated rate of 1.6 %. National Center for Transgender Equality. Our study participants reported attempting suicide at a rate more than 25 times the national average. 9
10 of 20 SIGNS OF SUICIDE 1. Talking about or preoccupation with death. 2. Mental illness or previous suicide attempts. 3. Have recent loss or unexpected loss. 4. Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or medications 5. Failure to take prescribed medication or take care of illness or health needs. 6. Manic behavior: inflated self-esteem, euphoria. 7. Extreme anxiety, agitation, enraged behavior 8. Feelings of hopelessness, desperation, guilt or no self-worth 9. Saying good-bye to old friends. 10. Planning suicide or acquiring a weapon or pills. 10
10 MORE SIGNS OF SUICIDE 11. Behavior changes taking unnecessary risks, acting out, just not behaving like themselves. 12. Changes in eating with loss or gain of weight. 13. Changes in sleep habits: too much or not enough. 14. Trouble concentrating or being indecisive. 15. Withdrawal from family, friends, or activities 16. Unexplained fatigue or apathy. 17. Crying and loss of ability to know joy. 18. Loss of interest in hobbies, work, school, etc. 19. Loss of interest in personal appearance. 20. Giving away prized personal possessions. 11
10 Younger Children s Signs 1. Unexplained fears 2. Being very angry and irritable most of the time and/or having temper tantrum 3. Doing the same thing over and over (OCD) 4. Attacking people, themselves, or animals 5. Frequent nightmares 6. Setting fires 7. Unable to sit still or concentrate 8. Change in school work 9. Hearing voices (schizophrenia-rare) 10. Lack of empathy or caring about others 12
Depression is the #1 cause of Suicide Suicide is the result of an illness caused by changes in the chemistry of the brain The changes can be seen on an MRI and other brain imaging devices. These changes are caused by three factors: 1. Biological 2. Psychological 3. Environmental The result of these changes often result in both EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL PAIN 90% of people that die by suicide have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of their death. The most prevalent of these is depression. The emotional and/or physical pain is so severe and the brain changes have progressed to the point that the only way the person can see to stop this unbearable pain is to die! 13
As a Foster Parent YOU are a GATEKEEPER! Know your child s History!!! Know what precautions you need to take to keep them safe! Pay attention to changes in behavior or unusual or destructive behaviors! LISTEN to what they say! 14
Why Should You Seek Help? Most mental illnesses and behavior problems start before the age of 14 and are not always easy to recognize. They are often dismissed as normal childhood or teen behaviors and often have the same symptoms for different diagnoses. Most children do not get help for up to 10 years after the signs are there. 15
Depression like any other Illness can run in families! Know your Foster Child s family and medical background Ask the questions: 1. What traumas has the child experienced? 2. Was there abuse? 3. Was there a suicide in the child s family? 4. Is there a history of mental illness in the family? 5. Does your foster child show signs of depression, or any other mental, emotional or behavior problems? 16
Previous and Present Diagnosis and Treatment 1. Learn what the diagnosis is. 2.Learn the best ways help the child. 3.Make sure that medicines are used correctly and not over-prescribed. 4.Make sure therapy is available and used. 5. Be patient and loving. 6.Teach others in the house to understand and not tease or bully. 7. Reassure the child that things will be better and that with treatment they will live a normal life. 17
Substance Abuse and Weapons Is there a history of substance abuse in the child s family? Is there access to alcohol and/or drugs? Is there access to things that the child can use to cut or injure themselves or others? Is there access to guns? 18
What is a Co-Existing Disorder? It is when your foster child is suffering from an emotional or mental disorder and using drugs and/or alcohol. Which comes first and why is this so lethal? Why do children self-medicate? 19
What are Protective Factors? 1. Feeling that you Belong, are Cared About, and NOT A BURDEN to those in your world. 2. Sense of Purpose and Accomplishment. 3. Access to Resources Health care, etc 4. Supportive Networks - Religion, Family, Community, and Friends 5. Independence Ability to take care of self 6. Peer Support Groups - Athletics, Clubs 7. Problem Solving Skills FISP Solutions Unlimited Now SUN Program 8. Protective Support System Against Bullying 9. Open Communication 10. Feeling Safe 20
Traits and Circumstances Suicides are more prevalent in those who have had disciplinary, emotional and /or legal problems, previous suicide attempts, family history of psychiatric problems, loss of feeling safe and particularly greater prevalence of a loaded gun in the home. Suicidal children have poor reality testing, are impulsive, and have problems with emotional and social problem solving. Programs like the FISP Solutions Unlimited Now SUN Program can help. 21
INTERVENTION 1. KNOW THE SIGNS! 2. LISTEN! Take every threat and every attempt very seriously! 3. DON T JUDGE.Don t tell them how they feel or offer simple answers, LISTEN!!! 4. If they say they are Depressed or are Thinking of Dying by Suicide ASK THE 5 QUESTIONS! Are you thinking of hurting yourself? Are you thinking of suicide? Have you made a plan? Do you have the things you need to carry it out? Have you decided when? 5. Don t leave the child alone! 6. MAKE A PLAN 7. GET HELP 8. REPORT TO CASE MANAGER 9. FOLLOW UP WITH TREATMNENT 22
TECHNIQUES FOR Talking to a Suicidal Child * Take every threat or suspicion very seriously * Let the child unload despair and ventilate anger. * Approach in a private place Remain CALM * Be direct Ask are you thinking of hurting yourself The S Word * Express concern - Do Not Act Shocked * Show you care and are trying to understand their feelings * Do not argue their right to their feelings * Don t keep it Secret - get help * Instill hope and offer alternatives * Work together on a plan * Let them know your will be there and they are safe 23
WHAT IF THE CHILD TAKES DRUGS, POISON, OR ALCOHOL? If the child is ingesting drugs, get the details! What, how much: alcohol, other medications, last meal, and general health? call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. If Poison Control recommends it, call transportation or an ambulance. 911 24
TYPES OF BULLYING Physical Bullying and Hazing Verbal and Emotional Bullying Cyber Bullying Bullying is when someone keeps doing or saying things to cause pain with the objective to have power over another person. This treatment leads to depression, anxiety, anger, frustration, social withdrawal, physical injury, humiliation, isolation, and feelings of helpless and hopelessness. These feelings often lead to SUICIDE!!!!! 25
Why do Bullies Bully? The Bully is trying to feel: 1. More Important 2. More Powerful 3. More In Control 4. Less angry 5. More Worthy WHY? Is your foster child a bully? 26
What Does my Foster Child Feel If Bullied? When Bullied they feel: 1. LESS Important 2. LESS Powerful 3. LESS In Control 4. LESS Worthy 5. More Angry And a great percentage of children that are bullied become bullies! 27
What will I do if my Foster Child is being Bullied? 1. Listen and look for signs of bullying because many are very similar to the signs of suicide 2. Talk to your foster child and LISTEN to find out what Type of bullying is going on and who is doing it. 3. If the bully is a family member, explain what bullying is and how it makes someone feel and, if needed, redirect and help the bully with appropriate ways of relating to others. Teach RESPECT for everyone, even if they are different. 4. Go to the school and talk to principle and counseling staff. 5. Seek out resources and get your foster child help dealing with the effects of bullying. 28
POSTVENTION Helping a child SURVIVOR OF SUICIDE Each Suicide affects at least 8 to 10 people who were close to the person who died by suicide. How many children suffer due to the loss of a love one by SUICIDE? If only 1 for each suicide in US = 36,909 Or only 1 for each suicide in Florida = 2,753 or 7.5+ per day 29
What do I tell my Foster Child? Tell the children the truth in an age-appropriate manner! Knowing the truth about mental illness and suicide enables family members to be appropriately vigilant about their own health going forward and take preventative steps. 30
When a Child s Loved One Dies by Suicide! Children Grieve Differently! 1. They may not understand the meaning or permanence of death. 2. They may be focused on what did I do and is it my fault? 3. Open the door to a continuing dialogue and keep checking in. 4. They need comforting and physical affection. 5. Invite their questions, which may arise at random times. 6. Consider finding a bereavement support group for your kids. 7. Children may behave in a seemingly perplexing manner. 8. Give older children their space to mourn and time to communicate with peers. 9. Reach out to community resources. 10. Be aware survivors are at a higher risk of dying by suicide! 31
How Do I Explain SUICIDE? If someone dies of a brain illness such as a tumor, you d intuitively know what to say, even to a young child: Daddy died of a serious illness in his brain. So it s important to keep in mind that the research shows that more than 90% of people who die by suicide have a diagnosable (although not always identified) brain illness at the time of their death, most often depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, often complicated by substance abuse. Just as people can die of heart disease or cancer, they can die as a complication of psychiatric illness. 32
What Have You Learned TODAY? Suicide IS Preventable and it doesn t take a professional to save a life. The FACTS, the MYTHS, the WARNING SIGNS, and the PROTECTIVE FACTORS Foster parents should look for EMOTIONAL and PSYCHOLOGICAL problems, use Intervention TECHNIQUES, and reach out to resources. To identify if your foster child is a victim of Bullying and/or Bullycide and what to do about it. How do you help Child Survivors of Suicide? The importance of teaching children RESPECT for everyone. No Bullying! Teach our children that it s OK to ask for help when they are in pain. Know that there is more than one solution to every problem. HELP IS AVAILABLE!!!! 33
Thanks you for your attention. FISP is Here to help. Ask about our other resources! Jackie Rosen, Executive Director/CEO Florida Initiative of Suicide Prevention, FISP 2645 Executive Park Drive Weston, FL 33331 PH: 954-384-0344 FAX: 954-384-7988 SUN: 954-384-1383 www.fisponline.org www. sunprogram.org fisp@earthlink.net 34
Read about the Grieving Process Jackie Rosen is the Author of The Butterfly on my Shoulder Under the Pen Name Helene Levin www.fisponline.org fisp@earthlink.net AVAILABLE ON LINE or CALL 954-384-0344 to get the book signed by the Author 35