Facts About Suicide Prevention

SUICIDE PREVENTION--WARNING SIGNS,

HELP NUMBERS, & Helpful Web Sites

Disclaimer: Online information found here is made available so that individuals may find out whether consultation with a counselor or doctor may be helpful. This is a help site and is not intended to provide treatment, diagnosis, or consultation. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.

What are the warning signs of suicide?

The following warning signs may be signs of a mental health problem, such as a mood disorder, or they may relate directly to suicidal thoughts or behavior:

--Changes in functioning, such as

A drop in grades

Neglect of personal appearance

Neglect of responsibilities

--Changes in emotions, such as

Appearing sad, hopeless, bored, or overwhelmed

Having spells of severe anger

Appearing more anxious or worried

--Changes in behavior, such as

Getting in trouble, being rebellious, aggressive, or impulsive

Running away

Withdrawing from friends or family or having a big change in friends

Changing eating or sleeping habits

Losing interest in activities

--Use of drugs or alcohol

--Victim of sexual or physical abuse

--Sexual feelings or confusion about sexual orientation that the teen finds unacceptable

--Self-harmful behavior, such as cutting or anorexia

--Talking or writing of suicide or death

--Making a suicidal gesture, such as taking a small amount of pills

Myths and facts you should know

Myth: Teens who kill themselves are obviously depressed.  Fact: It's not always obvious. Parents are sometimes "the last to know" their teens are so depressed and desperate. Teens are often very good at hiding their problems. While depressed adults may seem deeply sad and hopeless for quite a while, depressed teens may seem happy much of the time as they swing rapidly in and out of depression.

Myth: People who talk about suicide do not do it. Fact: Teens who talk about suicide or wanting to "run away," "get away," "disappear," "end it," or "die" are much more likely to kill themselves than those who do not. Talk of suicide or death should be responded to right away.

Myth: "If he really wanted to kill himself, he would have done something more lethal."  Fact: A non-lethal attempt, such as taking a small number of pills or making scratches on the wrist, may be followed by more lethal behavior at a later time. In addition, the non-lethal attempt may indicate deep emotional problems not obvious otherwise. Suicide attempts or "gestures" should be taken very seriously with prompt safeguarding and intervention.

Myth: "She's just doing it to get attention.” Fact: This is true at times, but the behavior can still be lethal. A teen not intending to die may still take too many pills or miscalculate when someone will rescue her.

The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

HELP NUMBERS

For help or more information contact any of the following individuals, groups, or agencies:

--Guidance Counselors—

High School	Katie Fistler	421-4426 (Mason City Alternative School)
	Dave Jacobson	421-4432 (Mason City High School)
	Dusty Rhodes	421-4432 (Mason City High School)
	Karla Wymore	421-4432 (Mason City High School)
Middle School	Sara Bucknam	421-4423 (Roosevelt Middle School)
	Gina Friederich	421-4420 (John Adams Middle Schoo)
Elementary	Sarah Despenas	421-4406 (Harding) or 421-4411 (Jefferson)
	Kay Erland	421-4408 (Hoover) or 421-4415 (Roosevelt)