Teen Suicide: Let's deal with it. Let's prevent it.

TeenSuicide:Let's deal with it. Let's prevent it.

By: James S. Anthony, Ph.D.Licensed Psychologist

Center for Human Development4505 White Bear Parkway, Suite

1800White Bear Lake, MN 55110

651-426-8191chdtherapy.com

jamessanthony.com

Presentation Outline

Depression in YouthMyths vs Facts About Suicide/Depression

Depression SymptomsSuicide Warning Signs

How to HelpPsychotherapy

SpiritualityCoping with Loss from Suicide

Suicide Contagion

Depression in youth

Being a teen is tough enough when you're healthy, but it can be unbearable for teens with depression

Teens do not need to handle this alone. Depression may lead to suicide Suicide is the second leading cause of death for

people 10 to 25 years old. Treating depression is the most effective way to

prevent suicide Teens may struggle with pressure to fit in,

relationship break-ups, school work pressures, and home problems.

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Suicide is usually a cry for help

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

FACT

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Suicide is not becoming more common with teens and young

adults

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Myth

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Suicide is most common among the elderly

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

FACT

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Depression isn't really an illness.

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Myth

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

All people with depression appear sad

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Myth

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

People with depression are weak and should be able to snap out of it.

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Myth

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

The top two reasons for not seeking help for depression and suicide is stigma of

mental illness and lack of access to help

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

FACT

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Something bad must have happened to people to get depression

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Myth

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Most people with depression can't be helped

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Myth

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Depression is something you should be ashamed of and hide from others

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Myth

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

More people die from suicide than homicide

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

FACT

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Depression isn't really that serious

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Myth70% of suicides suffered

from untreated depression

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Don't talk about suicide or you give depressed persons the idea

to kill themselves

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Myth

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Suicides usually happen without any warnings

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Myth80% of those who attempt or complete gave warnings

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

You should keep secret a confidence of someone

planning to kill themselves

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

Myth

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

The three leading methods of suicide are firearms,

suffocation, and poisoning

Myths vs Facts about Suicide/Depression

FACT

Depression Symptoms

Feeling sad, empty or numbTired or overwhelmedCry easilyCan't sleep or sleep wellCan't eatNo interest in anythingIn painAngry, moody, easily irritatedAbuse drugs or alcoholNo hope

Suicide Warning Signs

Talking about suicide or deathFeeling hopeless, helpless, or worthlessPrevious suicide attemptsHas experienced a lossMaking preparations, such as a will or giving things away, saying goodbye or making amendsBuying or having a gun and bullets or pillsSuddenly becoming happier when originally sad

How to HELP: 1-800-SUICIDE,911

Show that you care and express concernActively encourage the person to seek help and stay close until help arrivesAsk about suicide thoughts and intentionBe kind, understanding, and supportiveDon't blame yourself, anyone else, or the personDon't offer glib reassurance, argue, or challenge

What is Psychotherapy?

Focus on goals, thoughts, behaviors, and relationships related to depression

Goal is getting and staying well, not just getting better.

Helps you learn to change how depression makes you think, feel, and act

Help overcome low self-esteem and pessimism Help to cope with stress and foster resilience May be most effective in conjunction with

medication.

Spirituality

Meaning, values, and purpose in life Feelings of peace and harmony Getting involved Belonging Helping others Inspiration from others such as: DARKNESS VISIBLE: A MEMOIR OF

MADNESS by William Styron

Coping with Loss from Suicide

You'll need time to grieve and heal Need to understand suicide Understand your feelings Work through any guilt or anger Talk about feelings of loss and pain Get support and help Remember the person who has died Seek inner peace Take care of yourself Tell the truth, but no need for details

Suicide Contagion

Exposure to a suicide influences others to attempt or commit suicide

Not censorship but responsible reporting

No sensationalizing or normalizing

Be concise and factual

Do not be graphic

Suicide Contagion (2)

Do not call it a “successful” suicide

Publicize resources—hot lines, counseling, etc.

Avoid simplistic explanations for suicide

Do not glorify the suicide victim or the method

Thank you. Any questions or comments?

James S. Anthony, Ph.D.Licensed Psychologist

Center for Human DevelopmentWhite Bear Lake, MN

651-426-8191Jamessanthony.com

1-800-SUICIDE