Resources
YOUTH SUICIDE WARNING SIGNS
From the National Center for the Prevention of Youth Suicide
- Feelings of Hopelessness
- Anxiety, agitation, trouble sleeping or sleeping all of the time
- Expressions of having no reason for living; no sense of purpose in life
- Feelings of being trapped – like there’s no way out
- Increase alcohol and/or drug use
- Withdrawal from friends, family, and community
- Rage, uncontrolled anger, expressions of wanting or seeking revenge
- Reckless behavior or more risky activities, seemingly without thinking
- Dramatic mood changes
- Giving away prized possessions
For more information about youth suicide warning signs and risk factors, please visit the National Center for the Prevention of Youth Suicide (http://www.suicidology.org/ncpys/warning-signs-risk-factors).
TEEN DEPRESSION WARNING SIGNS
From Families for Depression Awareness
- Depressed, irritable, sad, or empty mood for at least two weeks
- Decreased interest or enjoyment in once-favorite activities and people
- Changes in appetite, eating too much or too little, significant weight gain or loss
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Physical agitation or slowness
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Low self-esteem, feeling guilty
- Decreased ability to concentrate, indecisive
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Recurrent suicidal thoughts or behavior (*seek immediate medical help)
WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR A FRIEND WITH A MENTAL HEALTH CONCERN
- Take it seriously. Act NOW.
- Find a quiet, private place to talk to your friend.
- Tell him/her why you are concerned and what specific behaviors you’ve noticed.
- Talk in a calm, nonjudgmental, and caring way.
- Listen, don’t lecture.
- Encourage your friend to seek help.
- Prepare for all possible reactions. You may need to ask other people to assist you.
- Take care of yourself.
- Offer support, understanding, and encouragement.
- Never keep talk of suicide a secret. Tell a trusted adult (school nurse, school counselor, teacher, coach, parent, etc.).
WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK
If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or alone, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Your call will be directed to a local crisis center where a trained counselor will answer. All calls are free and confidential. You can also text the Crisis Text Line by texting 741-741 or chat online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
AACAP Resource Centers empower individuals through patient education. Each AACAP Resource Center contains consumer-friendly definitions, answers to frequently asked questions, clinical resources, expert videos, and abstracts from the JAACAP, Scientific Proceedings and Facts for Families relevant to each disorder.
http://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Home.aspx?hkey=4e918a42-7a64-4c60-bf12-9c9ef6e48164
Families for Depression Awareness
Families for Depression Awareness helps families recognize and cope with depression and bipolar disorder to get people well and prevent suicides. The organization offers education, training, and support to unite families and help them heal while coping with mood disorders.
KidsHealth
KidsHealth is the most-visited site on the Web for information about health, behavior, and development from before birth through the teen years. KidsHealth is more than just the facts about health. As part of The Nemours Foundation’s Center for Children’s Health Media, KidsHealth also provides families with perspective, advice, and comfort about a wide range of physical, emotional, and behavioral issues that affect children and teens.
National Center for the Prevention of Youth Suicide
The American Association of Suicidology National Center for the Prevention of Youth Suicide believes that suicide can often be prevented. Strong communities, safe schools, and supportive families all help the development of healthy youth. For youth struggling with mental illness and or substance abuse, effective services make a difference.
http://www.suicidology.org/ncpys
Prevent Suicide PA
Prevent Suicide PA is the only statewide, nonprofit organization solely dedicated to preventing suicide in Pennsylvania. Their mission is to provide education and collaborate with the community to prevent suicide, reduce the stigma associated with suicide, and support those touched by suicide.
http://www.preventsuicidepa.org/index
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a network of crisis centers dedicated to suicide prevention that are located in communities across the country. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or alone, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Your call will be directed to a local crisis center where a trained counselor will answer. If you prefer to chat online, you can visit the Lifeline’s website to instant message with a skilled counselor.
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
TeenCental.net
TeenCentral.Net is a safe, free and totally anonymous site that offers help when you need it most. If you have a problem, question, difficult situation or just want to vent, write your “story” and there will be an answer waiting for you within 24-hours. It’s that easy – so log on and work it out!