Suicide Awareness and Prevention Suicide Isn t about Death, it is About Ending the Pain! Kansas School Nurse Conference July 19, 2017 Learning Objectives Explain the importance of recognizing the warning signs of suicide ideation and symptoms of depression. Implement a Suicide Awareness and Prevention training program for your school/ school district to increase awareness about suicide and help prevent suicide. Explain the importance of professional self-care. Jason Flatt Act History & Background Jason Flatt, a 16 year old from Tennessee, enjoyed going places and trying new things. He was a good student who loved sports, especially football. He had lots of friends and seemed to be full of life. Jason died by suicide on July 16, 1997. His family has been raising awareness of teen suicide ever since. In 2001, The Jason Foundation began advocating for legislation to include suicide awareness and prevention training in teacher in-service. In 2007, Tennessee was the first state to pass the Jason Flatt Act, the nation s most inclusive and mandatory youth suicide awareness and prevention legislation. Kansas was the 19 th state to pass the Jason Flatt Act. The Jason Foundation jasonfoundation.com 1
Jason Flatt Act Senate Bill 323 Turn to your partner Name 3 states in the United States that you think have the highest suicide rate and why you picked those states. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention www.afsp.org 2
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Facts Kansas Suicide Statistics In Kansas, suicide is the: 2 nd leading cause of death for ages 10-34; 4 th leading cause of death for ages 35-54; 8 th leading cause of death for ages 55-64; 18th leading cause of death for ages 65 and older. Over 3 times as many people die by suicide in Kansas annually than by homicide. -According to May 2015 Kansas Health Statistics Report Sedgwick County 2016 Suicide Rate 84 deaths by suicide in Sedgwick County in 2016 Increase from 68 deaths by suicide in 2015 Suicide Prevention Hotline 316-660-7500 24 hours/ 7 Days per week 3
Sedgwick County 2016 Death by Suicide - Age Groups 11% 1% 14% 13% 26% <15 15-24 25-34 35-54 55-64 >64 35% Turn and Talk True or False Girls attempt suicide more often than boys. Sedgwick County Suicides By Gender 24% Male Female 76% 4
Wichita Public Schools In the 2016-2017 school year, there were 1,020 (up from 770) suicide protocols forms submitted. 445 Elementary 251 Middle 45 K-8 151 High 126 Special / Alternative Schools Understanding Suicide is not about death. It is about ending the pain. Stand up if you agree with this statement Alcohol and drug use are related to depression and suicide. 5
Risk Factors Mental Illness Trauma/Situational Crises Bullying/Aggression Drug Addiction/Substance Abuse Eating Disorders Major Life Changes Social Isolation/Loneliness Genetics/Family History Terminal Illness/Chronic Pain Financial Problems Previous Attempts Self Mutilation 90% of people who die by suicide suffer from untreated depression or had a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of their death. BLACK DOG VIDEO Share Your Thoughts True or False Children can t really be depressed; they don t have anything to worry about. 6
Depression Sadness Irritability Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed Withdrawal from social activities Inability to concentrate Disrupted sleep Fatigue or loss of energy Appetite changes Thoughts of suicide Raise Your Hand if you think this statement is FALSE Asking someone if he or she is suicidal will just put suicidal thoughts into their head. This is Important! You will not cause someone to attempt suicide just by talking about it! You can help someone who is thinking about suicide by asking them about it and getting help. 7
Warning Signs Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself Making statements about feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless Marked changes in behavior (withdrawn, increased agitation, risky behavior) A loss of interest in the things one cares about Making arrangements; setting one s affairs in order Talking about feeling trapped; in unbearable pain; being a burden; feeling isolated Giving prized possessions away Prolonged depression followed by a sense of elation Verbal Clues I wish I were dead My family would be better off without me I ll show them! I hate my life I just can t go on any longer I m going to miss How You Can Help Don t be afraid to ask Are you thinking about hurting or killing yourself? Do take a Yes answer seriously and take steps to support and help. Stay with the person Listen! Let them know the limits of confidentiality Be non-judgmental, reassuring & positive Offer empathy, I care and will help Offer hope that alternatives are available Follow district procedures, including our district Suicide Protocol; GET HELP from professionals through the hotline number or other health care professionals 8
USD 259 Suicide Protocol Building Resources Administrator Counselor School Psychologist Social Worker Nurse Building Crisis Plan Contact Safety Services at 973-2260 to register your building crisis plan 9
To schedule a Yellow Ribbon presentation for your school, contact Holly Yager: hyager@usd259.net BE-A-LINK!-SAVE A LIFE! If you have received this Card, it is a Cry for Help: Yellow Ribbon cards provided by Sedgwick County Suicide Prevention Task Force A Friend Asks App Warning signs of suicidal ideation How to help a friend How to get help now What to do and what not to do Coping Strategies / Protective Factors Spend time with family and friends. Openly share issues in your life Some find comfort in religion or a spiritual belief system Get involved; volunteer. Positive Self Talk - Keep perspective. ( This too shall pass ). Believe in your strengths. Learn new coping and problem-solving skills. Access mental health care services when needed. Laughter a sense of humor Lack of access to suicidal means. 10
Enhancing Good Brain Chemicals Exercise When the heart reaches an aerobic exercise level, feelgood chemicals (endorphins) are released. Good nutrition and adequate rest Chocolate What is the EAP? Employee Assistance Program Who can use it? Employees and Families What does it cost? FREE How many times can I use it? 6 sessions per person or per issue Is it confidential? Yes! What kinds of things will it help me with? Depression Suicidal Thoughts Relationship and family challenges Stress Life-changing events Excessive worry Financial or legal challenges Feeling sad or blue Substance dependence Workplace challenges Tell Me How to Use The EAP! CALL Toll-free (800)624-5544 Operators on-call around the clock Use code USD259 ONLINE www.ndbh.com Online chat Online counseling sessions Health resource library Sign up for weekly tips delivered to your inbox 11
Do not keep suicidal thoughts to yourself! Find someone you trust and let them know how bad things are. This can be your first step on the road to healing. Help is available. Share your thoughts with your neighbor regarding this statement: Most people who attempt suicide are just looking for attention. Please Remember Threats about suicide MUST be taken seriously! If you suspect that the person is suicidal, ask about it DIRECTLY. You will not cause someone to kill himself or herself by asking him or her about suicide! Dealing with a suicide crisis can be extremely upsetting. Talk to someone afterwards to help reduce your own stress. 12
https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthonthemighty /videos/1869633273305382/ District Resources Stephanie Anderson (sanderson@usd259.net) Counseling Coordinator Kimber Kasitz (kkasitz@usd259.net) Health Services Coordinator Melody Stuckey (mstuckey@usd259.net) Social Work Services Coordinator Holly Yager (hyager@usd259.net) Psychological Services Coordinator 13