8th Grade MEH 3.1

8th GradeMEH 3.1 & 3.2

Objective 3.1

Recognize signs and symptoms of hurting self or others.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for teens

Of students in grades 6 -8:

24% of students who felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more in a row that they stopped doing some usual activities during the past 12 months.

20.8 % seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year

13.1 % made a plan about how they would attempt suicide during the past 12 months

9.5 % reported attempting suicide

Same risk and protective factors for suicide and other problem behaviors such as drugs, violence, risky sexual behavior

2011 NC Youth Risk Behavior Survey

Depression

Depression is more than the “blues” or the “blahs.” It is more than the normal everyday ups and downs.

Clinical depression is a medical condition. It is when feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair persist and interfere with a person’s ability to function.

Many adults and teenagers do not recognize the symptoms of depression in themselves or others.

Depression

Depression affects people of all ages.

It will affect more than 19 million people every year.

Some people experience only one episode of depression in their entire life, but others may have several episodes of depression.

Depression can begin suddenly for no apparent reason, while others can be associated with a life situation.

Warning Signs of Suicide

Insomnia

Change in eating patterns, either overeating or not eating

Daytime sleepiness

Aggressive or destructive behavior

Risk-taking behavior

Difficulty concentrating

Loss of interest in activities one used to enjoy

Decline in school performance, skipping class, dropping out of activities

Withdrawal from relationships with friends and family

6

Warning Signs of Suicide

Statements such as “I wish I were dead” or “No one cares”

Planning a suicide attempt or a previous attempt

Giving away prized possessions

A sudden lift in spirits because he or she feels the problem will soon end

Self – Hurting Behaviors

Self-injury is the act of deliberately destroying body tissue, at times to change a way of feeling.

It is an intentional act, repetitive, and results in minor to moderate harm without the intent to cause death.

Self-injury often occurs in secret – person hides the self-injury from others.

Self - Hurting Behaviors

Cutting

Burning

Pin-Sticking

Carving

Scratching

Branding

Marking

Head-banging

Picking and pulling skin and hair

Abrasions (scrapes of bruises

Biting

Hitting

Breaking bones

Tattooing

Excessive body piercing

Why Do They Hurt Themselves?

To escape from emotional pain, such as anger or anxiety

To release tension

To physically express pain

To express feelings of emptiness, loneliness, helplessness

An attempt to feel/be more in control

To protect themselves from pain

Not understood by others

To induce a pleasure state from the endorphins that are released

Signs of Self - Injury

Frequent or unexplained scars, cuts, bruises, and burns (often on the arms, thighs, abdomen)

Consistent, inappropriate use of clothing to cover scars

General signs of depression

Secretive behavior, spending unusual amounts of time in the bathroom or other isolated areas

Social or emotional isolation and disconnectedness

Substance abuse

Signs of Self - Injury

Possession of sharp instruments, (razor blades, thumb tacks, pins)

Indications of extreme anger, sadness, or pain

Images of physical harm in class or creative work

Extreme risk-taking behaviors that could result in injuries

Let him or her know that you care and want to help.

Acknowledge that your friend has a problem and that the symptoms are serious. Ask about suicide.

Convince your friend to ask for help. This may include your talking to a trusted adult.

Giving Help

Objective 3.2

Implement a plan for seeking adult help for peers who express symptoms of self-injury or suicidal intent.

Warning Signs

Decline in school performance

Skipping class

Dropping out of activities

Aggressive or destructive behavior

Insomnia

Daytime sleepiness

Difficulty concentrating

Warning Signs

Lack of energy

Changes in eating patterns, either over-eating or not eating

Withdrawal from relationships with friends and family

Isolation

Feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt

Warning Signs

Risk taking behavior

Changes in personality or behavior

Beginning to use alcohol or other drugs

Giving away prized possessions

Statements, such as “I wish I were dead” or “No one cares”

Warning Signs

Loss of interest in everyday activities, even things they enjoy doing

Apathy

Death themes in artwork or written work

Planning a suicide attempt or a previous attempt

A sudden lift of spirits because they feel their problems will soon end

Ways to Help

Take any signs or verbal statements seriously.

Listen to the person and show him or her that you care.

Don’t leave the person alone.

Ways to Help

Build a network of support:

Friends

Family members

Counselors

Teachers

Faith leader

Health care provider

Ways to Help

Call a suicide hotline number. Check your local telephone book for a local hotline number.

Get professional help.

Seek out local agencies that could provide professional counseling services.

Seek a trusted adult