Suicide Prevention 101 MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION 101 Dr. Dan Reidenberg, PsyD Executive Director – SAVE

Suicide Prevention 101

MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION 101

Dr. Dan Reidenberg, PsyDExecutive Director – SAVE


Emotional Wellness Mental Illness

The Mental Health Continuum


Mental Health Disorders

• Brain diseases are just like other medical diseases

• Affect everyone - no one is a specific target• Can come on at any time• Most common

– Mood disorders: depression, bipolar disorder– Substance abuse disorders: abuse, dependency– Anxiety disorders: many types– Thought disorders: schizophrenia


Brain P.E.T. Scan

Transaxial

Sagittal

DepressionNormal

Red indicates greater brain activity – blue indicates lesser


Educate Yourself on Depression

• Chemical imbalance in the brain which affects the whole body:

– Thoughts – Feelings – Behaviors– Physical health


Know the Symptoms of Depression

Persistently feeling sad, empty or numb; crying easily

Sleeping more or less than usual; trouble sleeping

Loss of energy, fatigued

Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless or guilty; pessimism

Feeling angry, irritable or moody; fighting and arguing a lot

Avoiding friends, withdrawal

Loss of interest in things that used to be fun; isolating


Know the Symptoms of Depression

Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions

Thinking about and/or planning or attempting suicide

Eating disturbances; more of less than usual

Recurring headaches, backaches, or stomachaches

Alcohol or drug use to escape or mask feelings

Feeling alienated or outcast; alone even when with friends


Depression is Treatable

• Depression is a treatable physical illness

• Over 90% of cases can be successfully treated

• Need to see a doctor or psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment


Depression Can Be Fatal

Most people who die by

suicide have a brain

illness (e.g., depression,

schizophrenia, substance

abuse) at the time of

death.


But there is hope…

However, most people with a brain illness do not die by suicide.


20-25 million people in the U.S. suffer from 20-25 million people in the U.S. suffer from depression each year.depression each year.

36,000 people in the U.S. die from suicide 36,000 people in the U.S. die from suicide each year.each year.


Suicide FactorsProtective FactorsProtective Factors• Social Support

– Belonging & caring• Effective Coping Skills• Policies & Culture that:

– Approve/encourage help seeking behavior

– Protect those who seek help

Key Risk FactorsKey Risk Factors Mental Health Problems (family history of

depression, substance abuse and/or suicide) Sexual orientation and/or identity

issues Abuse; being teased, bullied,

excluded or discriminated against Relationship Problems (school, work or

the law) Stress of a new situation (beginning a

new school, job or college, relocating to a new community) Impulsive or aggressive

tendencies Loss of a loved one, relationship,

home or security Easy access to lethal means Chronic or terminal physical

illness Brain illnesses, particularly

depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and certain personality disorders

Previous attempts


Suicide

• No one can stop suicide, it is inevitable

• Most suicidal people do not want to die, they want to stop the pain

MYTHS FACTS


Suicide

• Talking about suicide will plant ideas in a persons head.

• Talking about suicide openly lowers anxiety, opens up communication and increases the chance that people will use help seeking behaviors.

MYTHS FACTS


Suicide

• Suicidal people keep their plans to themselves.

• Most suicidal people communicate their intent sometime during the week preceding their attempt.

MYTHS FACTS


Know the Warning Signs of Suicide

• Suicidal people give Warning Signs to various people in their lives


Warning Signs of Suicide

• Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself.

• Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live. Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.

• Talking about being a burden to others.

• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.

• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.

• Sleeping too little or too much.

• Withdrawing or feeling isolated.

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.

• Displaying extreme mood swings.

Direct Verbal Warning Signs

“I’m going to kill myself.”

“I wish I were dead.”

“I’m thinking about suicide.”

“I’m going to end it all.”

“If (such and such) doesn’t

happen, I’ll kill myself.

Indirect Verbal Warning Signs

“I shouldn’t have been born.”

“My family would be better off without me.”

“I just want out!”

“I wish I were dead.”

“I won’t be

around much

longer.”


Find Someone Who Can Help

• Parents, guardian, or other family member• School psychologist, social worker, counselor,

or nurse• Teacher• Personal physician or nurse• Personal clergy• Your local hospital• 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Documents

Suicide Prevention 101 MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION 101 Dr. Dan Reidenberg, PsyD Executive Director – SAVE