SOS - Signs of Suicide
By Bacchus, Suzie
ACT Test & Registration Deadlines
12/8 11/2
2/9 1/11
4/13 3/8
6/8 5/3
SAT Test & Registration Deadlines
12/1 11/1
1/26 12/28
3/9 2/8
5/4 4/5
6/1 5/2
SOS - Signs of Suicide
Depression – sad, down, grouchy, irritable, change in sleeping patterns, change in weight or appetite, loss of interest, withdrawal from family and friends, feeling worthless, can’t think or concentrate, thoughts of death or suicide, extreme anxiety, agitation, enraged behavior, excessive drug/alcohol use, neglect of physical health, hopelessness, desperation, personality change
What they might say or do– complain of being a bad person or feeling rotten, “Nothing matters”, “It’s no use”, “I won’t see you again”, give away favorite possessions, throw away important belongings, become suddenly cheerful after a period of depression
What to do when approached by student asking for help or that you think is suicidal – Do NOT leave the person alone, listen to what they have to say and do NOT make them feel guilty, do NOT promise confidentiality, go WITH the person to talk to an adult or a professional to get help, contact the person’s parents
MYTH: It’s normal for teenagers to be moody; teens don’t suffer from “real” depression.
FACT: Depression can affect people at any age or of any race, ethnicity, or economic group.
MYTH: Teens who claim to be depressed are weak and just need to pull themselves together. There’s nothing anyone else can do to help.
FACT: Depression is not a weakness, but a serious health disorder. A trained therapist can help them. A physician can prescribe medications to help relieve the symptoms of depression.
MYTH: People who talk about suicide won’t really do it.
FACT: Almost everyone who dies by suicide has given some clue or warning. Do not ignore suicide threats. Statements like “You’ll be sorry when I am dead,” or “I can’t see any way out” may indicate serious suicidal feelings.
MYTH: If a person is determined to kill themselves, nothing is going to stop them.
FACT: Even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings about death. Most suicidal people do not want death; they just want the pain to stop.
MYTH: People who commit suicide are people who are unwilling to seek help.
FACT: Studies of suicide victims have shown that more than half had sought medical help within six months before their deaths.
MYTH: Talking about suicide may give someone the idea.
FACT: You don’t give a suicidal person morbid ideas by talking about suicide. Te opposite is true. Bringing up the subject of suicide and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do.
Suicide is a PERMANENT solution to a TEMPORARY problem!!!
ACT
Acknowledge – listen to your friend and acknowledge there is a problem – don’t ignore threats
Care – let your friend know you care about them and their problem
Tell – tell a trusted adult that you are worried about your friend
Some Secrets SHOULD Be Shared!!!
For more information, please contact Mrs. Bacchus
Suzie Bacchus
Counselor
suzie.bacchus@esc9.net
940-995-2532
