Suicidal Behavior Continuum
water line Death due to Suicide
James J. Mazza @ 2012
U.S. Youth Suicide Rates
10-14 15-19 20-24 Annual Rate per 100,000 National Center for Health Statistics (2010) James J. Mazza @ 2012
Myths about Suicide
Ø Asking about Suicide may cause Suicidal Behavior
Ø Most suicidal behavior is impulsive without forethought
Ø Those who attempt Suicide get medical treatment
Ø Suicide attempters leave Suicide Notes
Ø Parents know if their Child is Suicidal
(Reynolds, 1988)
Invisible Signs of Youth Suicidal Behavior
James J. Mazza @ 2012
Ø Negative Personal History
Ø Psychopathology & Negative personality traits
Ø Social and interpersonal isolation & alienation
Ø Breakdown of defenses
Ø Self negative ideation
Ø Availability & Accessibility
Berman & Jobes, 1991
Risk Factors for Suicide
Invisible Signs of Youth Suicidal Behavior
James J. Mazza @ 2012
James J. Mazza @ 2012
Firearms
Suffocation
Fall/Jump (1.9%)
Transportation (1.0%) Cut/Pierce
Deaths due to Suicide in 2006
45.1%
42.3%
0.5%
Invisible Signs of Youth Suicidal Behavior
James J. Mazza @ 2012
Invisible Signs of Youth Suicidal Behavior
James J. Mazza @ 2012
Warning Signs of Suicide Ø I Ideation Ø S Substance Abuse Ø P Purposelessness Ø A Anxiety Ø T Trapped Ø H Hopelessness Ø W Withdrawal Ø A Anger Ø R Recklessness Ø M Mood Change
Invisible Signs of Youth Suicidal Behavior
James J. Mazza @ 2012 (American Association of Suicidology, 2011)
Psychopathology and Adolescent
Suicidal Behavior Substance
Abuse Anxiety
Disorders
Suicidal Behavior
Borderline Personality
Depressive Disorders
James J. Mazza @ 2012
3 Steps for Prevention Ø Show you care
a. I’m concerned about you…. about how you feel Ø Ask the question
a. Are you thinking about suicide?
b. What thoughts or plans do you have?
Ø Call for help
a. I know where we can get some help Washington State Department of Health, 1997
Invisible Signs of Youth Suicidal Behavior
James J. Mazza @ 2012
Summary Ø Adolescent suicidal behavior is complex
Ø Examining protective and risk factors is important for youth mental health
Ø Address multiple co-occurring behaviors for prevention and intervention programs
Ø 3 steps to prevention - Ask the question
Ø Talking about suicide with youth is OKAY!!
Invisible Signs of Youth Suicidal Behavior
James J. Mazza @ 2012
National Resource and Information Numbers
v American Association of Suicidology
Ø www.suicidology.org
Ø 202 237-2280
v National Suicide Hotline
Ø 800 273-TALK
James J. Mazza @ 2012
Invisible Signs of Youth Suicidal Behavior