HIGH SCHOOL HOT TOPICS Presented by: The Department of Guidance and Counseling Cypress Ranch High School
TOPICS TO DISCUSS: Healthy/Unhealthy Relationships Alcohol/Drug Abuse Positive and Negative Effects of Social Media Handling Stress & Anxiety Self Harm and Suicide
HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
What is the difference between a healthy relationship and an unhealthy relationship?
RELATIONSHIP HELP Immediate Danger: Call 911 National Dating Abuse Hotline: 866-331-9474 National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE www.loveisrespect.org www.ncvc.org
Drug & Alcohol Abuse
EFFECTS ON THE USER Lower Life Satisfaction Poor Mental and Physical Health Relationship Problems Less Academic and Career Success Overcoming Peer Pressure Build Self-Esteem and Confidence Learn how to say No Surround yourself with other people
DRUG & ALCOHOL ABUSE HELP Talk with Adults you Trust See Counselor for additional resources Drug/Alcohol Hotline: 1-855-435-5596 (Anonymous) www.crisishotline.org
Social Media
SOCIAL MEDIA Pros: Spreads Information faster than any other media Helps students do better in school Make new friends Colleges and Universities Recruit Students Social Media can save lives Help employers find employees Cons: Spread of unreliable information Cannot be completely deleted Heavy social media users tend to have lower grades Harm student s chances for college admission Stress and relationship problems Harm job stability and employment prospects Enables cheating on school assignments
Managing Stress & Anxiety
STRESS & ANXIETY CAN CAUSE: Hormone Changes Isolation Peer/Social Pressure Drug/Alcohol Use Mental/Physical Abuse Academics Family Problems Relationship Issues
SUICIDE PREVENTION
Why Address Suicide? Suicide is the death of someone s daughter, son, or friend. SUICIDE IS PREVENTABLE. 1 SUICIDE IS 1 TOO MANY!
Fastest growing age group is 10-14 years old 3 rd leading cause of death ages 10-14 More than 1 in 5 students consider suicide Why Address Suicide? 2 nd leading cause of death for ages 15-24
RISK FACTORS GENERAL Mental disorders Alcohol and substance abuse History of trauma or abuse Family history Access to lethal meanspills, guns, etc. Lack of social support and sense of isolation Hopelessness YOUTH SPECIFIC Separation/divorce of parents or family crisis Harassment by peers (bullying) Sexual identity/orientation Relationship break up Feelings of stress brought about by perceived achievement needs Inadequate problem solving/coping mechanisms
Situational WARNING SIGNS persistent sadness change in mood change in eating/sleeping habits crisis or traumatic event
Behavioral WARNING SIGNS writing or drawing about death/suicide irritability/anger withdrawal from friends and activities under the influence (50% are under influence at time of attempt.) giving things away
Verbal WARNING SIGNS I m going to kill myself. I wish I were dead. I can t take it anymore. You would be better off without me. frequent complaints about physical symptoms (stomach ache, headache, tired)
HOW YOU CAN HELP YOURSELF Contact a caring adult. Develop a sense of connection in school. Become involved in extracurricular activities. Develop positive selfesteem and coping strategies. Access resources (counselors, support groups, treatment programs). Ask for help!
CIH Guide Crisis Intervention of Houston MOBILE APPLICATIONS
HOW YOU CAN HELP OTHERS Be aware of signs. Listen & be there for your friend. Refer friend to the school counselor. Suicidepreventionlifeline.org tells you how to report. Tell an adult (parent and counselor). Krista s story (Always Tell Someone) https://youtu.be/cocmsgom6to
Ask for HELPfor yourself or others! Suicide Hotline Numbers 1-800-273- TALK(8255) 832-416-1199 If an emergency, go to nearest emergency room, or call 911
Hot Topics Resource Guide
QUESTIONS?