SOS (Signs of Suicide) A -Acknowledge C -Care T -Tell
SOS (Signs of Suicide) • The topic of suicide can be scary and sometimes uncomfortable-especially if you know someone who has attempted and completed suicide. Research says that suicide is the 3 rd leading cause of death among children, teens, and young • adults ages 10-24. Each year, approximately 250,000 young people are taken to the emergency room for suicide attempts. Each day more than 1,000 teenagers attempt suicide and 18 of the “teenagers” succeed. • This is why our school, and Fulton County, is participating in the Signs of Suicide Prevention Program , which is taking place through all of the U. S. History and Economics classes here at Alpharetta High School. • Our goal today is to help you recognize the signs of suicide in yourselves, your friends, and your loved ones, and know what to do when you recognize these warning signs.
SOS (Signs of Suicide) I am going to read you a series of statements about suicide. After I read each statement, take a moment to think about if the statement is True or False . Please do not respond out loud; just think about how you would respond in your mind. • 1- People who talk about suicide won’t actually do it. • 2- If a person is determined to kill himself/herself, then nothing is going to stop them. • 3- Asking a depressed person if they plan to commit suicide might cause him or her to actually do it. • 4- People who attempt suicide usually give off some kind of signal that they are thinking about it. • 5-People who commit suicide are usually people who are unwilling to seek help. • 6-Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. We will revisit these statements in a few moments after viewing the video.
SOS (Signs of Suicide) The following are important : 1- Take it seriously when someone tells you about not wanting to be around, taking a “permanent nap,” wishing they were dead, wanting to end their life, etc. 2-Do not promise to keep a secret. You must tell a trusted adult. 3- Notice changes in behavior such as giving things away, suddenly feeling more energetic after feeling down, withdrawal from others, a lack of enjoyment in activities that the person used to enjoy, use of drugs or alcohol, or irritable behavior. 4-Remember the acronym ACT: a. A- Acknowledg e the fact that you are seeing signs of suicide in your friend and that it is serious. b. C- Care enough to let your friend know that you want them to be safe and that you are concerned that he/she needs help that you are not able to provide. c. T- Tell a responsible adult, either with your friend or by yourself on his/her behalf.
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SOS (Signs of Suicide) Now that we have seen the signs of suicide and how to respond to the signs of suicide, I want to revisit the statements that I read to you earlier. Again, after I read each statement, take a moment to think about if the statement is True or False. Please do not respond out loud; just think about how you would respond in your mind. 1- People who talk about suicide won’t actually do it. This statement is false . Many people who talk about suicide will actually attempt or complete suicide. We should take them seriously and respond appropriately. 2-If a person is determined to kill himself/herself, then nothing is going to stop them. This statement is false . Individuals who are talking or thinking about suicide can receive the help necessary to prevent them from taking their own life. 3-Asking a depressed person if they plan to commit suicide might cause him or her to actually do it. This statement is false . Asking a person about their thoughts, feelings, and actions lets them know that you care and are concerned about their well-being. 4-People who attempt suicide usually give off some kind of signal that they are thinking about it. This statement is true . Most people who attempt or complete suicide show signs of suicide. It is important to be aware of the signs of suicide and know how to respond when you see these signs in yourself or your friends. 5-People who commit suicide are usually people who are unwilling to seek help. This statement is false . Again most people who attempt or complete suicide show signs of suicide. It is important to be aware of the signs of suicide and know how to respond when you see these signs in yourself or your friends. 6-Suicide is a permanent solution to temporary problem. This statement is true . We cannot reverse the effects of suicide. However, we can seek help for the problems that are present in our lives
SOS (Signs of Suicide) • You will each be completing a request card before you leave today. Please be sure to print your information neatly. On the card you have the opportunity to tell us if you need to speak with a counselor regarding a concern about yourself or a friend. You may also indicate that you do not need to speak with someone at this time. If you indicate that you need to speak with a counselor, then you will be called to the counseling office within 24 hours.
SOS (Signs of Suicide) • Please know that we will also be randomly selecting students to come to the office to ask you questions about this program today. • Are there any Questions? Additional resources are available through the AHS Counseling Department, the school Social Worker, and the School Psychologist.
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