LEARN. RECOGNIZE. INTERVENE. PREVENT.

LEARN. RECOGNIZE. INTERVENE. PREVENT.

ADOLESCENT SUICIDE Suicide is not an easy topic to discuss. It is also not an easy thing to deal with if someone suddenly decides their life isn t worth living especially if it is a youth. Adolescent suicide has been on the rise over the years in the United States. Adolescents are considered to be between the ages of 10 and 19. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for adolescents and young people in the united states. Suicide is also the number one cause of death that is 100% preventable. Parker, G., Hawkins, J., Weigel, C., Fanning, L., Round, T., & Reyna, K. (2009). Adolescent Suicide Prevention: The Oklahoma Community Reaches Out. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 177-180. Retrieved October 4, 2014.

ADOLESCENT SUICIDE Their body is going through major changes such as puberty. Also the adolescent experiences hormonal changes and they are trying to figure out who they are and their place in this world. Adolescents are overly sensitive and very easily influenced; peer pressure, self esteem, high expectations in the classroom, sports, relationships and sexual orientation. Being a teenager is tough and without guidance, love, and support some of these individuals may seek out other options to deal with their stress.

YOU can help prevent anyone of any age from committing suicide. First that a person needs to LEARN the warning signs of suicide and be able to RECOGNIZE them. Don t be afraid to speak up, ask questions provide support in one way or another. If they don t think they can help they should seek out someone who can INTERVENE. Finally by RECOGNIZING and INTERVENING you can help to PREVENT the loss of another persons life.

FACTS Suicide is the most preventable cause of death. In most cases individuals will give off warning signs of suicide. If and when these warning signs are recognized it is more likely suicide can be prevented. Some may believe that Talking about suicide will promote it or increase the risk of it, but they are incorrect. Talking about it will actually decrease anxiety and help prevent the act for occurring. Talking about it will also open up avenues to connect the individual with the help he or she needs. Anyone can recognize the signs of suicide if they first understand what to look for. Once recognized intervention is key to prevention!

SIGNS OF DEPRESSION Sadness, hopelessness, anger, or rage Overreaction to criticism Indecision, lack of concentration, and forgetfulness Lowered self esteem, or feelings or guilt Restlessness and agitation Changes in eating or sleeping Unprovoked episodes of crying Sudden neglect of appearance and hygiene Excessive tiredness Parker, G., Hawkins, J., Weigel, C., Fanning, L., Round, T., & Reyna, K. (2009). Adolescent Suicide Prevention: The Oklahoma Community Reaches Out. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 177-180. Retrieved October 4, 2014.

WARNING SIGNS THAT WARRANT IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION I wish I were dead. I m going to end it all. My family would be better off without me. What s the point of living? Soon, no one will have to worry about me. Who cares if I m dead anyways? Parker, G., Hawkins, J., Weigel, C., Fanning, L., Round, T., & Reyna, K. (2009). Adolescent Suicide Prevention: The Oklahoma Community Reaches Out. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 177-180. Retrieved October 4, 2014.

WARNING SIGNS THAT WARRANT IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION VERBALIZING I wish I were dead. I m going to end it all. My family would be better off without me. What s the point of living? Soon, no one will have to worry about me. Who cares if I m dead anyways? Parker, G., Hawkins, J., Weigel, C., Fanning, L., Round, T., & Reyna, K. (2009). Adolescent Suicide Prevention: The Oklahoma Community Reaches Out. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 177-180. Retrieved October 4, 2014.

PREVENTION Youth suicide is still the third-leading cause of death in ages 12 to 19 and increases every year as children age. Prevention is key and the more education that is out there the better! REMEMBER ONLY YOU CAN HELP PREVENT SUICIDE. Adolescents can be motivated and supported to become agents of change among their peers. Students can recognize the signs and speak up also. They can act as their peers advocate and possibly save their life!

Suicide Hotlines: There are many places in the surrounding area to seek help. Remember, help can t always find you. 911 1-800-SUICIDE 1-800-273-TALK LGBT Youth Suicide Hotline 1-866-4-U-TREVOR Suicide Hotline in Spanish 1-800-273-TALK Press 2 for Spanish Bowling Green- The Link of Behavioral Connections (419) 352-1545 Open 24/7 Toledo- Rescue Mental Health Services (419) 255-9585 Open 24/7

Community Counseling and Crisis Center- Cincinnati, OH 513-523-4145 FrontLine Service- Cleveland, OH 216-861-7671 HelpLIne of Delaware and Morrow Counties- Delaware, OH 740-369-0358 Pathways of Central Ohio- Newark, OH 740-349-9894 Rescue Incorporated-Toledo, OH 419-255-0207 We Care Regional Crisis Center Coleman Professional Services- Lima, OH 419-229-0059 Crisis Centers in Ohio Crisis Intervention and Recovery Center- Canton, OH 303-455-8706 Help Hotline Crisis Center- Youngstown, OH website North Central Mental Health Services- Columbus, OH 614-421-3111 Portage Path Behavioral-Akron, OH 330-253-5248 Talbert House-Cincinnati, OH 513-242-7164

Mental Health Providers in Ohio The Ohio Department of Mental Health website has a user friendly map to locate providers in your area SEARCH BY COUNTY SEARCH BY SERVICES PROVIDED http://mha.ohio.gov/default.aspx?tabid=666 Click on your county and view a list of Services and Locations

To Sum It Up As a parent, peer, guardian, or concerned adult you can. Talk to your adolescent about stressors, feelings, life and how to deal with changes. Learn the signs that suicide may be in thought of the adolescent. Recognize them in your adolescent in question, do not look the other way, or brush it off as no concern. Intervene and provide support, help, regardless how angry they may be at you. In the end they will thank you for saving their life.

CITATIONS Parker, G., Hawkins, J.,Weigel, C., Fanning, L., Round, T., & Reyna, K. (2009). Adolescent Suicide Prevention: The Oklahoma Community Reaches Out. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 177-180. Retrieved October 4, 2014. Mental Health and Addiction Services. (2014). Search for Your Mental Health Provider by Clicking on Your County. Promoting Wellness and Recovery. Ohio.gov. Retrieved October 4, 2014. http://mha.ohio.gov/default.aspx?tabid=666 Department of Health and Human Services. (2014). Adolescent Health. 2020 Topics & Objectives Overview. HealthyPeople.gov. Retrieved September 30, 2014. http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid =2