Teen
Suicide:
Let's deal with it. Let's prevent it.
By: James S. Anthony, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Center for Human Development
4505 White Bear Parkway, Suite
1800
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
651-426-8191
chdtherapy.com
jamessanthony.com
Presentation Outline
Depression in Youth
Myths vs Facts About Suicide/Depression
Depression Symptoms
Suicide Warning Signs
How to Help
Psychotherapy
Spirituality
Coping with Loss from Suicide
Suicide Contagion
Depression in youth
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Being a teen is tough enough when you're healthy,
but it can be unbearable for teens with depression
Teens do not need to handle this alone.
Depression may lead to suicide
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for
people 10 to 25 years old.
Treating depression is the most effective way to
prevent suicide
Teens may struggle with pressure to fit in,
relationship break-ups, school work pressures, and
home problems.
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Suicide is usually a cry for help
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
FACT
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Suicide is not becoming more
common with teens and young
adults
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Myth
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Suicide is most common
among the elderly
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
FACT
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Depression isn't really an illness.
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Myth
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
All people with depression appear sad
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Myth
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
People with depression are weak and
should be able to snap out of it.
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Myth
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
The top two reasons for not seeking help
for depression and suicide is stigma of
mental illness and lack of access to help
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
FACT
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Something bad must have happened to
people to get depression
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Myth
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Most people with
depression can't be helped
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Myth
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Depression is something you should be
ashamed of and hide from others
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Myth
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
More people die from
suicide than homicide
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
FACT
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Depression isn't really that serious
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Myth
70% of suicides suffered
from untreated depression
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Don't talk about suicide or you
give depressed persons the idea
to kill themselves
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Myth
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Suicides usually happen
without any warnings
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Myth
80% of those who attempt
or complete gave warnings
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
You should keep secret a
confidence of someone
planning to kill themselves
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
Myth
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
The three leading methods
of suicide are firearms,
suffocation, and poisoning
Myths vs Facts about
Suicide/Depression
FACT
Depression Symptoms
Feeling sad, empty or numb
Tired or overwhelmed
Cry easily
Can't sleep or sleep well
Can't eat
No interest in anything
In pain
Angry, moody, easily irritated
Abuse drugs or alcohol
No hope
Suicide Warning Signs
Talking about suicide or death
Feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless
Previous suicide attempts
Has experienced a loss
Making preparations, such as a will or giving
things away, saying goodbye or making
amends
Buying or having a gun and bullets or pills
Suddenly becoming happier when originally
sad
How to HELP: 1-800-SUICIDE,
911
Show that you care and express concern
Actively encourage the person to seek
help and stay close until help arrives
Ask about suicide thoughts and intention
Be kind, understanding, and supportive
Don't blame yourself, anyone else, or the
person
Don't offer glib reassurance, argue, or
challenge
What is Psychotherapy?
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Focus on goals, thoughts, behaviors, and
relationships related to depression
Goal is getting and staying well, not just getting
better.
Helps you learn to change how depression makes
you think, feel, and act
Help overcome low self-esteem and pessimism
Help to cope with stress and foster resilience
May be most effective in conjunction with
medication.
Spirituality
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Meaning, values, and purpose in life
Feelings of peace and harmony
Getting involved
Belonging
Helping others
Inspiration from others such as:
DARKNESS VISIBLE: A MEMOIR OF
MADNESS by William Styron
Coping with Loss from Suicide
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You'll need time to grieve and heal
Need to understand suicide
Understand your feelings
Work through any guilt or anger
Talk about feelings of loss and pain
Get support and help
Remember the person who has died
Seek inner peace
Take care of yourself
Tell the truth, but no need for details
Suicide Contagion
Exposure to a suicide influences others to attempt or
commit suicide
Not censorship but responsible reporting
No sensationalizing or normalizing
Be concise and factual
Do not be graphic
Suicide Contagion (2)
Do not call it a “successful” suicide
Publicize resources—hot lines, counseling, etc.
Avoid simplistic explanations for suicide
Do not glorify the suicide victim or the method
Thank you. Any questions or
comments?
James S. Anthony, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Center for Human Development
White Bear Lake, MN
651-426-8191
Jamessanthony.com
1-800-SUICIDE