Depression and Suicide in Education

Depression and suicide in education : 

Depression and suicide in education Developed by Patrick R. Mullen

Slide 3: 

“Suicide is not chosen; it happens when pain exceeds resources for coping with pain.” ~metanoia.org

Statistics from the CDC(Center for Disease Control) : 

Statistics from the CDC(Center for Disease Control) Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds •Since the 1950’s, suicide has increased 200% among youths ages 15-24 In a typical high school classroom It is likely that 3 students have attempted suicide within the last year (American Association of Suicidology)

Also… : 

Also… 17% of students in grades 9-12 have seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months Up to 900,000 youths planned suicide during worst or most recent episode of major depression For every youth suicide death; there can be 100 or more attempts

Demographic Factors : 

Demographic Factors Sexual Abuse 33% of abused children are suicidal between 16-18 Sexual Orientation Homosexual youth suicide rate is 3x’s greater than non-gay youth Age Over 65 Between 15-24 Gender 73% of suicides in US are white males Males complete suicide more often 4.1 men die from suicide per every woman

Demographic Factors : 

Demographic Factors Precipitating Event Not easy to predict Could precede a feared event Usually follows humiliation or crisis Social Isolation Greater impact on males Means Firearms, suffocation (hanging), & poisoning

Individual Factors : 

Individual Factors Feelings of helplessness & hopelessness Anxiety & agitation Lack of options 85% of teens do not reveal ideation

Warning Signs : 

Warning Signs Previous suicide attempts (largest predictor) Significant alcohol or drug use Threatening or communicating thoughts of suicide, death, dying or the afterlife Sudden increase in moodiness, withdrawal, or isolation Major change in eating or sleeping habits Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness or rejection Feelings of being picked on and persecuted Poor control over behavior Impulsive, aggressive behavior, uncontrolled anger Patterns of impulsive and chronic hitting, intimidating, and bullying behaviors Drop in quality of school performance or interest

Warning Signs : 

Warning Signs Expression of violence in writings and drawings Lack of interest in usual activity Getting into trouble with authority figures Intolerance for differences and prejudicial attitudes Affiliation with gangs Serious threats of violence Perfectionism Being a victim of violence Giving away important possessions Hinting at not being around in the future or saying good-bye

If suspected contact any of the following: : 

If suspected contact any of the following: Professional School Counselor School Psychologist Case Manager, Special Ed Social Worker, Special Ed Nurse School Administrator

Guidelines : 

Guidelines Always talk to a real person Do Not leave a voice mail Give a brief summary of the events Give the student’s name Have the student ESCORTED to appropriate office for assessment DO NOT LEAVE STUDENT ALONE!

The Counselor Will: : 

The Counselor Will: Call parents to inform them of the situation Collaborate with the appropriate sources to assure that the student is safe

Slide 14: 

A parent or guardian MUST be contacted

Slide 15: 

You CAN save a child’s life!! Report and SUSPICIONS of suicidal thoughts or actions to a counselor

For More Information: : 

For More Information: Visit: www.suicide.org