Warning Signs
For youth who may be assessing warning signs in a peer, the list is worded differently, specifically:
46.3% had an intimate partner
problem Teen students are more likely to take their life when: Alcohol or drugs are
involved Recognizing
the Warning Signs of Suicide The following signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. The risk of suicide is greater if a behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. All threats or talk of suicide should be taken seriously. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these signs, seek help as soon as possible.
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) reminds us that these are some of the warning signs of suicide:
To learn more about the
characteristics of suicide, resiliency factors, what you can
do, and community resources to address suicide, please visit
our CCSD website and read about "Preventing Youth Suicide
-Tips for Parents and Educators." Warning
Signs The strongest and most disturbing signs are verbal – ‘I can’t go on,’ ‘Nothing matters any more’ or even ‘I’m thinking of ending it all.’ Such remarks should always be taken seriously. Of course, in most cases these situations do not lead to suicide. But, generally, the more signs a person displays, the higher the risk of suicide. Situations
Behaviors
Physical Changes
Thoughts and Emotions
Warning Signs Every 18 minutes someone dies from suicide. More than 50% of suicides are men between 25-65 years of age. For young people, 15-24 years, it is the third leading cause of death. Despite these grim statistics, you need to know that suicide is preventable. Most people, about 80%, who die by suicide give verbal or behavioral clues to the impending event. The number one cause of suicide is untreated depression. The following are some “warning signs” of suicide. Note: The diagnosis and treatment of depression and other psychiatric disorders requires trained medical professionals. The information provided below is to be used for educational purposes only. It should NOT be used as a substitute for seeking professional care for the diagnosis and treatment of any mental/psychiatric disorders. Potential Emotional Indicators
Potential Behavioral Indicators
If you suspect a
friend or loved one is considering suicide, take your
suspicion seriously. Warning Signs Warning Signs of suicidal ideation include, but are not limited, to the following:
Along with these warning signs, there are certain Risk Factors that can elevate the possibility of suicidal ideation.
You may be the first
and last person to see these signs in a young person.
It should be noted that some people who die by suicide do not show any suicide warning signs. But about 75 percent of those who die by suicide do exhibit some suicide warning signs, so we need to be aware of what the suicide warning signs are and try to spot them in people. If we do see someone exhibiting suicide warning signs, we need to do everything that we can to help them. If you or someone you know exhibits several of the suicide warning signs listed above, immediate action is required, so please read the information on the home page of this website and take action. Always take suicide warning signs
seriously.
For youth who may be assessing warning signs in a peer, the list is worded differently, specifically: 1. Are they talking about wanting to
die, be dead, or about suicide, or are they cutting or
burning themselves? If you notice any of these warning signs in anyone, you can help!
Are you still concerned? Here is how you can get more help. If you think that your child or another youth may need help right now, call 24/7 the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Text the National Crisis Text Line at 741741. Your call or text is free and confidential. Trained crisis workers in your area can assist you and the youth in deciding what they need right now. Remember, if anyone is
harming themselves now or has just harmed themselves, call
911 or take them to an emergency room immediately. Suicide
warning signs - Extended Be concerned if someone you know:
Feeling suicidal
yourself? Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at
1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the Crisi Text Line at 741741..
This government hotline connects individuals in suicidal
crisis to their nearest suicide prevention and mental health
service provider. How
to Help Someone Else Listening – really listening – is not easy. We must control the urge to say something – to make a comment, add to a story or offer advice. We need to listen not just to the facts that the person is telling us but to the feelings that lie behind them. We need to understand things from their perspective, not ours. Here are some points to remember if you are helping a person who feels suicidal.
What do people who feel suicidal not want?
So, if you are concerned that someone you know may be thinking of suicide, you can help. Remember, as a helper, do not promise to do anything you do not want to do or that you cannot do. First of all... If the person is actively suicidal, get help immediately. Call your local crisis service or the police, or take the person to the emergency room of your local hospital. Do not leave the person alone. If the person has attempted suicide and needs medical attention, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency services number. The following are suggestions for helping someone who is suicidal: Ask the person - "Are you thinking of suicide?" Ask them if they have a plan and if they have the means. Asking someone if they are suicidal will not make them suicidal. Most likely they will be relieved that you have asked. Experts believe that most people are ambivalent about their wish to die. Listen actively to what the person is saying to you. Remain calm and do not judge what you are being told. Do not advise the person not to feel the way they are. Reassure the person that there is help for their problems and reassure them that they are not "bad" or "stupid" because they are thinking about suicide. Help the person break down their problem(s) into more manageable pieces. It is easier to deal with one problem at a time. Emphasize that there are ways other than suicide to solve problems. Help the person to explore these options, for example, ask them what else they could do to change their situation. Offer to investigate counselling services. Do not agree to keep the person's suicidal thoughts or plans a secret. Helping someone who is suicidal can be very stressful. Get help - ask family members and friends for their assistance and to share the responsibility. Suggest that the person see a doctor for a complete physical. Although there are many things that family and friends can do to help, there may be underlying medical problems that require professional intervention. Your doctor can also refer patients to a psychiatrist, if necessary. Try to get the person to see a trained counselor. Do not be surprised if the person refuses to go to a counselor - but be persistent. There are many types of caregivers for the suicidal. If the person will not go to a psychologist, or a psychiatrist, suggest, for example, they talk to a clergyperson, a guidance counselor or a teacher. Most suicide attempts are
unsuccessful—except when it comes to guns. Suicides in Oregon:
Trends and Risk Factors - 2012 Report (49 pages) In 2010, the age-adjusted suicide rate among Oregonians of 17.1 per 100,000 was 41 percent higher than the national average. The rate of suicide among Oregonians has been increasing since 2000. Suicide rates among adults ages 45-64 rose approximately 50 percent from 18.1 per 100,000 in 2000 to 27.1 per 100,000 in 2010. The rate increased more among women ages 45-64 than among men of the same age during the past 10 years. Suicide rates among men ages 65 and older decreased approximately 15 percent from nearly 50 per 100,000 in 2000 to 43 per 100,000 in 2010. Men were 3.7 times more likely to die by suicide than women. The highest suicide rate occurred among men ages 85 and over (76.1 per 100,000). Non-Hispanic white males had the highest suicide rate among all races / ethnicity (27.1 per 100,000). Firearms were the dominant mechanism of injury among men who died by suicide (62%). Approximately 26 percent of suicides occurred among veterans. Male veterans had a higher suicide rate than non-veteran males (44.6 vs. 31.5 per 100,000). Significantly higher suicide rates were identified among male veterans ages 18-24, 35-44 and 45-54 when compared to non-veteran males. Veteran suicide victims were reported to have more physical health problems than non-veteran males. Psychological, behavioral, and health problems co-occur and are known to increase suicide risk. Approximately 70 percent of suicide victims had a diagnosed mental disorder, alcohol and /or substance use problems, or depressed mood at time of death. Despite the high prevalence of mental health problems, less than one third of male victims and about 60 percent of female victims were receiving treatment for mental health problems at the time of death. Eviction/loss of home was a factor associated with 75 deaths by suicide in 2009-2010. 2 Investigators suspect that one in four suicide victims had used alcohol in the hours prece ding their death. The number of suicides in each month
varies; there was not a clear seasonal pattern. Baker, Coos,
Curry, Douglas, Grant, Harney, Jackson, Josephine, Lincoln,
Klamath and Tillamook counties had a higher than state
average suicide rate; and Benton, Clackamas, Hood River,
Washington, and Yamhill counties had a lower than state
average suicide rate.
It is important to talk with children who show signs of being bullied or bullying others. These warning signs can also point to other issues or problems, such as depression or substance abuse. Talking to the child can help identify the root of the problem.
Signs a Child is
Being Bullied Some signs that may point to a bullying problem are:
If you know someone in serious distress or danger, don’t ignore the problem. Get help right away. Signs a Child is Bullying Others Kids may be bullying others if they:
Why don't kids ask for help? Statistics from the 2008–2009 School Crime Supplement show that an adult was notified in only about a third of bullying cases. Kids don’t tell adults for many reasons:
Source:
www.stopbullying.gov/at-risk/warning-signs/index.html
How to Tell if
Your Teen is Being Cyberbullied
While parents know cyberbullying happens, approximately 94% underestimate the amount of conflict that occurs on social media sites, and only 7% of US parents actually worry about cyberbullying. Parents should be aware of the following signs that point to their teenager being cyberbullied:
Source: www.rawhide.org/blog/wellness/teen-cyberbullying-and-social-media-use-on-the-rise/
Warning Signs of
Abuse and Domestic Violence
You do not deserve to be abused.
Create a safety plan or call someone to talk about your
relationship. You may also want to contact the National
Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE to be contacted
to a local organization. Warning signs of
mental illness
For young children, because they're still learning how to identify and talk about thoughts and emotions, their most obvious symptoms are behavioral, and may include:
Source: www.freep.com/story/life/family/2015/02/27/teen-mental-health-conference/24152679/
The presence of the following signs requires immediate attention:
Even if there is no immediate danger, the Veterans Crisis Line is here for you. Crisis feels different for everybody and can stem from a wide range of situations. Some Veterans are coping with aging, stress, relationship problems, financial or legal issues, or lingering effects stemming from their military service, which were never addressed. Some Veterans have difficulty with their relationships or the transition back to civilian life. Whatever’s got you down—chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, anger, or even homelessness—a Veterans Crisis Line responder can provide support, day or night. Learn to Recognize the Signs Many Veterans may not show any signs of intent to harm themselves before doing so, but some actions can be a sign that a Veteran needs help. Veterans in crisis may show behaviors that indicate a risk of harming themselves. Veterans who are considering suicide often show signs of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and/or hopelessness, such as:
Performing poorly at work or school Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities—seemingly without thinking
If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran
who is showing any of the above warning signs, please call
the Veterans Crisis Line , chat online , or send a text
message today. Take a Self-Check Quiz Crisis, stress, depression, and other issues affect people in different ways. Maybe you’re having trouble sleeping or feel out of control. Maybe your energy level is down or you feel anxious all the time. If these issues and others seem to be leading to a crisis, treatment can help. Take a confidential, anonymous risk assessment to see how you might benefit from VA or community-based services.  Warning
SIgns: The Chocking Game
How Can You Tell
If Your Child Has Been Using Marijuana?
Evidence of Smoking Behavior Even if they are not visibly high, there are some signs you can look for that linger after they have been smoking:
Sudden Behavioral Changes Although these behavioral changes could be related to other typical teenage issues, they also could indicate marijuana use:
Changes in Interests These signs could also indicate other teenage-related problems, they also could be prompted by the use of marijuana:
If you suspect that your child has been using marijuana, you may want to just sit down and talk to them about it. If your child is using marijuana, chances are he or she will deny it and blame any evidence you found on someone else. But, carefully watch their reaction to your conversation with them. If they over-react, that too could be an indication of their involvement with marijuana or other drugs. How about drug testing your child? There are home drug tests available that parents can use to test their children, but be aware that there are some drawbacks when parents decide to test their kids. Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse.
"Marijuana:
Facts Parents Need to Know.
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.
"If
You Catch Your Teen Smoking Pot
Depression Symptoms and Warning
Signs Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life, but when emotions such as hopelessness and despair take hold and just won't go away, you may have depression. Depression makes it tough to function and enjoy life like you once did. Just getting through the day can be overwhelming. But no matter how hopeless you feel, you can get better. Learning about depression—and the many things you can do to help yourself—is the first step to overcoming the problem. How do you experience depression? While some people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom, others feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic. Men in particular may even feel angry and restless. No matter how you experience it, depression is different from normal sadness in that it engulfs your day-to-day life, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. Some people feel like nothing will ever change. But it’s important to remember that feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are symptoms of depression—not the reality of your situation. You can do things today to start feeling better. What are the symptoms of depression? Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life’s normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer they’ve lasted—the more likely it is that you’re dealing with depression. Symptoms of depression include:
Is it depression or bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, involves serious shifts in moods, energy, thinking, and behavior. Because it looks so similar to depression when in the low phase, it is often overlooked and misdiagnosed. This is a problem, because antidepressants for bipolar depression can make the condition worse. If you’ve ever gone through phases where you experienced excessive feelings of euphoria, a decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, and impulsive behavior, consider getting evaluated for bipolar disorder. See: Bipolar Disorder Signs and Symptoms. Depression and suicide risk Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. The deep despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the only way to escape the pain. If you have a loved one with depression, take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously and watch for the warning signs:
If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, express your concern and seek help immediately. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life. If You Are Feeling Suicidal... When you’re feeling depressed or suicidal, your problems don’t seem temporary—they seem overwhelming and permanent. But with time, you will feel better, especially if you get help. There are many people who want to support you during this difficult time, so please reach out! The symptoms of depression can vary with gender and age Depression often varies according to age and gender, with symptoms differing between men and women, or young people and older adults. Depression in men. Depressed men are less likely to acknowledge feelings of self-loathing and hopelessness. Instead, they tend to complain about fatigue, irritability, sleep problems, and loss of interest in work and hobbies. They’re also more likely to experience symptoms such as anger, aggression, reckless behavior, and substance abuse. Depression in women. Women are more likely to experience symptoms such as pronounced feelings of guilt, excessive sleeping, overeating, and weight gain. Depression in women is also impacted by hormonal factors during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Up to 1 in 7 women experience depression following childbirth, a condition known as postpartum depression. Depression in teens. Irritability, anger, and agitation are often the most noticeable symptoms in depressed teens—not sadness. They may also complain of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical pains. Depression in older adults. Older adults tend to complain more about the physical rather than the emotional signs and symptoms of depression: things like fatigue, unexplained aches and pains, and memory problems. They may also neglect their personal appearance and stop taking critical medications for their health. Types of depression Depression comes in many shapes and forms. Knowing what type of depression you have can help you manage your symptoms and get the most effective treatment. Major depression Major depression is much less common than mild or moderate depression and is characterized by intense, relentless symptoms. Left untreated, major depression typically lasts for about six months. Some people experience just a single depressive episode in their lifetime, but major depression can be a recurring disorder. Atypical depression Atypical depression is a common subtype of major depression with a specific symptom pattern. It responds better to some therapies and medications than others, so identifying it can be helpful.
Dysthymia (recurrent, mild depression) Dysthymia is a type of chronic “low-grade” depression. More days than not, you feel mildly or moderately depressed, although you may have brief periods of normal mood.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) For some people, the reduced daylight hours of winter lead to a form of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD affects about 1% to 2% of the population, particularly women and young people.
Depression causes and risk factors While some illnesses have a specific medical cause, making treatment straightforward, depression is more complicated. Depression is not just the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain that can be simply cured with medication. It’s caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. In other words, your lifestyle choices, relationships, and coping skills matter just as much—if not more so—than genetics. Risk factors that make you more vulnerable to depression include:
What you can do to feel better When you’re depressed, it can feel like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. But there are many things you can do to lift and stabilize your mood. The key is to start with a few small goals and slowly build from there, trying to do a little more each day. Feeling better takes time, but you can get there by making positive choices for yourself. What you can do
Get moving. When you’re depressed, just getting out of bed can seem daunting, let alone exercising. But regular exercise can be as effective as antidepressant medication in countering the symptoms of depression. Take a short walk or put some music on and dance around. Start with small activities and build up from there. Eat a mood boosting diet. Reduce your intake of foods that can adversely affect your mood, such as caffeine, alcohol, trans fats, sugar, and refined carbs. And increase mood-enhancing nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids. Find ways to engage again with the world. Spend some time in nature, care for a pet, volunteer, pick up a hobby you used to enjoy (or take up a new one). You won’t feel like it at first, but as you participate in the world again, you will start to feel better. For more information, see: Coping with Depression When to seek professional help If support from family and friends and positive lifestyle changes aren’t enough, find a therapist who can help you heal. Therapy can help you understand your depression and motivate you to take the action necessary to prevent it from coming back. Medication may be imperative if you’re feeling suicidal or violent. But while it can help relieve symptoms of depression in some people, it isn’t a cure and is not usually a long-term solution. It also comes with side effects and other drawbacks so it’s important to learn all the facts to make an informed decision. More help for depression Parent's Guide to Teen Depression: Recognizing the Signs and Helping Your Child Teenager's Guide to Depression: Tips and Tools for Helping Yourself or a Friend Depression in Men: What it Looks Like and How to Get Help Resources and references Signs and symptoms of depression Signs and Symptoms of Mood Disorders – Lists the common signs and symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder. (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) What Does Depression Feel Like? – Provides a list of signs and symptoms and ways you might feel if you're depressed. (Wings of Madness) When Depression Hurts – Article on the painful physical symptoms of depression, including what causes them and how treatment can help. (Psychology Today) Male Depression: Don't Ignore the Symptoms – Learn about the distinct symptoms of depression in men and the dangers of leaving them untreated. (Mayo Clinic) Types of depression The Different Faces of Depression – Discussion of the different subtypes of depression, including atypical depression, melancholic depression, and psychotic depression. (Psychology Today) Atypical Depression: What's in a Name? – Article on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of atypical depression. (American Psychiatric Association) Dysthymia: Psychotherapists and patients confront the high cost of “low-grade” depression – In-depth look at the causes, effects, and treatment of dysthymic disorder. (Harvard Health Publications) Seasonal Affective Disorder: Winter Depression – Guide to seasonal affective disorder and its symptoms, causes, and treatment. (Northern County Psychiatric Associates) Depression causes and risk factors What Causes Depression? Page 1 & Page 2 – Learn about the many potential causes of depression, including genes, temperament, stressful life events, and medical issues. (Harvard Health Publications) Depression and Other Illnesses – An overview of the mental and physical illnesses that often co-exist with depression, and how this impacts treatment. (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) Co-occurring
Disorders and Depression – How medical disorders
can affect depression and vice versa. (Mental Health
America) Experts
Release Consensus Derived List of Warning Signs for Youth
Suicide To address this gap in knowledge, a panel of national and international experts convened to resolve this problem and help the public better understand the way youth think, feel, and behave prior to making life-threatening suicide attempts and inform them about how to effectively respond. The main goal was to determine what changes immediately preceded suicide attempts or deaths that are supported by research and rooted in clinical practice by experts and for the first time we can now confidently put forward that these are the warning signs that a young person might be at risk of suicide. The newly agreed upon list of warning signs and additional resources for how to respond to recognized risk was released today and can be found at: www.youthsuicidewarningsigns.org. 1.Talking about or making plans for suicide. Prior to the meeting, the experts reviewed and analyzed all available literature and conducted a survey of youth suicide attempt survivors, as well as those who lost a youth to suicide. The panel was then convened and consisted of researchers with extensive experience working with suicidal youth, public health officials, clinicians with decades of individual experience helping suicidal youth, school teachers, and various other stakeholders including individuals representing national organizations focused on suicide prevention. Following the consensus meeting, focus groups with youth and adults were held to gain their input on the findings and dissemination plans. The following organizations were involved.
Contact Dr. Dan Reidenberg at dreidenberg@save.org or (952) 946-7998 or Dr. Michelle Cornette at cornette@suicidology.org SOURCE SAVE - Suicide Awareness Voices of Education Source: www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/experts-release-consensus-derived-list-of-warning-signs-for-youth-suicide-300140396.html
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