Suicide Awareness & Prevention The Silent Epidemic Kristin A. Drake Cell: 915 525 8937
What is Suicidality? ~According to Dr. Osvaldo Gaytan, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist for El Paso Behavioral, Suicidality is an extreme state of ambivalence. ~Two thought processes involved: 1. Avoidance running away from current problems. 2. Aggression. How can I get back at them for what they ve done to me?
Three things to keep in mind with Suicidality when a person is at their breaking point: 1. Anxiety 2. Sleep Deprivation coupled with loneliness 3. Alcohol and Substance Use
The Facts Females ATTEMPT suicide more often than males, however, males are more successful in the completion of suicide and account for more deaths by suicide than females. More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza and chronic lung disease COMBINED. (Jason Foundation) Each day there are an average of over 5,400 attempts by young people grades 7 12 (Jason Foundation) Four out of Five teens who attempt suicide gave clear warning signs. (Jason Foundation)
Risk Factors Health Factors Mental Health Conditions Depression Bipolar Disorder Schizophrenia Borderline Personality order Conduct Disorder Psychotic Disorders Anxiety Disorders Substance Abuse Chronic Illness
Risk Factors Cont. Environmental Factors Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs Prolonged stress factors; bullying, harassment, relationship problems. Stressful life events; death of a loved one, broken family, break ups, disabling accidents.
Risk Factors Historical Factors Family history of suicide Family history of mental health conditions Previous suicide events Childhood abuse
Warning Signs Talk If a person talks about: Killing themselves Having no reason to live Being a burden to others Feeling trapped Unbearable pain
Warning Signs Behavior A person s suicide risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased, especially if it s related to a painful event, loss, or change. Increased use of alcohol or drugs Looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching online. Acting recklessly. Withdrawing from activities. Isolating from family and friends. Sleeping too little or too much. Visiting or calling people to say goodbye. Giving away prized possessions. Aggression. Changes in personal hygiene.
Warning Signs Mood People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods. Depression Loss of interest Rage Irritability Humiliation Anxiety
A friend asks It is not important how you ask, but that you ask. I have been feeling concerned about you lately, how are you feeling? I m concerned about how you are acting, how are you doing? Are you thinking about hurting yourself? Are you thinking about killing yourself? Do you really want to die?
What not to do Don t promise to keep a suicide threat a secret. Don t be afraid to ask. Don t say I know how you feel. Don t ignore your friend Don t be afraid to get help. If there is an emergency call 911.
When do I cry out? Are your symptoms beginning to affect your daily life? Excessive worrying or fear. Extreme mood changes. Prolonged periods of anger or sadness. Difficulty relating to others. Changes in sleep patterns. Changes in appetite. Self harm. Frequent Nightmares. Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming others. Extreme Hopelessness. ANYTIME YOU ARE UNSURE!!!
JFK s Story
Help El Paso Crisis Line: (915) 779 1800 National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1 (800) 273 8255. Text Go 741 741 A Friend Asks app
Sources Helpguide.org Stress Management Dr.weil.com 4 7 8 Breathing Technique Esortment.com Healthy Stress vs. Unhealthy Stress American Foundation for Suicide Prevention The Jason Foundation Dr. Osvaldo Gaytan, CAD Medical Director, El Paso Behavioral
Thank You!! Kristin A. Drake Community Liaison Cell: 915 525 8937