Reading the Signs Risk Factors and Warning Signs for Suicide 14.7.14
Welcome Jennifer Fisher headspace School Support Consultant jfisher@headspace.org.au 0447 001 612 Anxiety Warren Jones headspace Nowra Community Engagement Officer wjones@headspacenowra.org.au 4421 5388 Feel free to ask me any questions throughout the session. I encourage you to share your ideas and experiences as we go.
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Learning Outcomes This session aims to: Develop understanding of headspace services, in particular headspace School Support Increase understanding of common mental health issues in young people. Provide a general overview of suicide and self harm in young people Increase understanding of risk factors and warning signs of young people at risk of suicide Learning Outcomes
Mental Health
Mental Health Mental Wellness Mental Health Problem Mental Illness Mental Health vs Illness
Mental Health Cognitive Mental Health Behavioural Emotional Physical
Mental Health Presentations Anxiety Depression Mental Health Alcohol and substance abuse Relationship issues Self-harm Stress Others?
Depression Persistent depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure in usual activities Depression Changes in thinking, behaviour and/or physical health Significant risk factor for suicidal thoughts or actions
Depression Depression
Anxiety Disorders Experiences fear, worry or dread which is out of proportion to the circumstances Anxiety Interferes with daily functioning Younger age of onset from 11 years of age Most common mental health issue in young people
Early Warning Signs at School Changes in the individual At School Change in classroom seat More disruptive Change in eating habits More withdrawal Absenteeism Change in grades More unkempt than usual Changes in attentiveness Looks tired
Self Harm in Young People
All self harm is a suicide attempt True or False False
Self Harm Self Harm Suicide VS Self Injury
Self Injury (NSSI) The most common type among young people is cutting and overdosing Self Injury Other types include: Burning the skin Picking at wounds or scars Scratching Self-hitting Pulling hair
Self injury is attention seeking True or False False
Why young people self injure? Cope with feelings of extreme emotional pain Self Injury Manage feeling disconnected and isolated from others Feeling of control, in the short-term Communicate distress
How to respond? Self Injury Communicate Confidentiality Support Safety Ask the question
Asking a person if they are thinking about suicide will put ideas into their head? True or False False
Risk Factors
Risk Factors for Suicide Mental /physical health Psychological Major depression Hopelessness Hopelessness Low self esteem Psychotic disorders Reduced distress tolerance Severe anxiety Poor mood regulation Substance use disorders Aggression/violence Antisocial behaviour Introversion History of psychiatric care Impulsivity Individual Previous self injury Gender Chronic physical health problems LGBTI Risk Factors for Suicide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Migrant populations
Risk Factors for Suicide Social / Familial Environment Family breakdown/conflict Stressful life events Childhood adversity Relationship difficulties Family history of suicide Legal problems Socio-economic disadvantage Access to means Rural community Contagion effects School disengagement Certain types of media Isolation reporting of suicide Intoxication Risk Factors for Suicide
Protective Factors
Protective Factors Reasons for living Religious faith Responsibility to family or children Connectedness to school & social support Effective treatment/therapeutic alliance High self esteem/coping skills Good help seeking behaviours Reduced access to means Protective Factors
Warning Signs
Warning Signs Ideas? Disclosing thoughts to hurt or kill themselves Warning Signs Sudden, noticeable changes in mood Withdrawing from friends, teachers and family Saying goodbye to loved ones Planning ways to end their life or trying to access means Engaging in reckless or risky behaviour
Warning Signs Increased levels of anger or agitation Talking, writing, or drawing about death, dying or suicide Warning Signs Expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness Talking or writing about being a burden to others Increasing their use of drugs or alcohol Giving away possessions
How to respond? Remain calm and non-judgemental How to Respond? Limitations to confidentiality Signpost and Support Self Care
How to respond? Try to Try not to Actively listen to their story Express empathy, concern and care with words and nonverbal behaviour Ask direct questions about suicidal thoughts Make assumptions about risk Dismiss suicidal thoughts as just teenage angst Panic if the person says they have thought about suicide How to Respond? Be clear and to the point Judge or shame the person for their thoughts or actions Encourage help seeking Talk about suicide in mass group forums Know where to go to access further help Assume you are the only person who is responsible for keeping someone safe Try and manage your own emotions Stay away and avoid the young person Take their words seriously Avoid using the word suicide Be observant and watch for signs they are distressed Try and fix the problem or solve the young person s issue
Resources Support & Information
Resources Suicide Attempts Support & Information Self-harm Identifying risk factors and warning signs for suicide
Information headspace.org.au Support & Information headspace Nowra headspace_aus headspaceaustralia
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