Presentation on Suicide and bullying rates and stress management for high schoolers.

2. SUICIDE: LET’S GET REAL
• Every FORTY SECONDS someone in the world commits suicide
(American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 2011).
• “Every FORTY-ONE SECONDS some in the worlds has to make sense
of it all.” (AFSP, 2011).
• Nearly 1 million people attempt suicide every year (AFSP, 2011).
• In America , more than 36,000 people commit suicide each year (AFSP,
2011)
• Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in America. (AFSP, 2011)

3. SUICIDE IS A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE
80
70
60
50
Black Youth
40
Youth
30
All Adults
20
10
0
1980 1990 2000 2010

4. DEMOGRAPHICS OF SUICIDE
• IL ranked 45th out of 50 states for suicides committed : thus suicide in
Illinois is LESS likely to be committed than in forty-four other states
(American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 2011).
• Highest suicide rates found in Alaska, Wyoming and New Mexico
(AFSP, 2011)
• Whites are the MOST likely to commit followed by Native Americans
(AFSP, 2011).
• Males are 4 times more likely than females to commit suicide
(AFSP, 2011).
• Females are 3 times more likely to attempt suicide than males
(AFSP, 2011).
• Recent survey found 60% of high school students thought about killing
themselves (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2011).
• A study found that “90% of suicidal teens-agers believed their families
did not understand them” (AAP, 2011).
• Suicide is the THIRD leading cause of death among teens aged 15-
24, surpassed only by accidents and homicide (Center for Disease
Control and Prevention, 2011).

5. SUICIDE IS A PREVENTABLE HEALTH ISSUE
50-70%
of suicide victims give some warning of their intention to a friend or family
member (American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, 2011).
More than 90% of people who commit suicide also suffer from:
• Major depression
• Bipolar depression
• Alcohol and/or drug abuse
• Eating Disorder (AFSP, 2011)
MYTHS and FACTS

6. EMOTIONAL STRESSORS FOR SUICIDE
• To fit in socially • Confusion in self-identity
• To perform academically • Feelings of being
• Feelings of Disconnect devalued
• Feelings of Isolation • Relationship breakup
• Drop in grades • Need for autonomy
• Pressure of new • Conflict with rules
responsibility • Feelings of
• Feelings of constant anger misunderstanding
• Confusing sexual feelings • Ongoing conflict with
parents
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Environment of criticism
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Ongoing conflict with
peers

7. “Bullying is widespread
and a serious problem
that can happen
anywhere. It is NOT a
phase children have to
go through, it is NOT just
messing around and it is
NOT something to grow
out of. Bullying can
cause serious and
lasting harm.”

8. BULLYING INCLUDES:
• Imbalance of Power: people using their power to control others
• Intent to Cause Harm: has the goal of hurting another person
• Repetition: happens to the same person(s) over and over again
www.stopbullying.gov

9. TYPES OF BULLYING
1. Verbal Name calling and teasing
2. Social Spreading
rumors, excluding others
3. Physical Hitting, punching, shoving
4. Cyber bullying Using internet, cell phones or
technology to belittle others
self-esteem

10. ARE YOU A BULLY, VICTIM OR BYSTANDER?
“56% of students have personally witnessed some type of bullying at
school.”
If YOU are being bullied:
• Tell the bully to stop
• Walk away
• Protect yourself
• Tell an adult you trust
• Find a safe place
• Stick together
• Find opportunities to make new friends
Do not blame yourself, be proud of who you are, do not be afraid to ask for help.
(www.stopbullying.gov, 2011)

11. LGBT BULLYING
• 8 in 10 LGBT students have been verbally harassed in school.
• 4 in 10 LGBT students have been physically harassed in school.
• 6 in 10 LGBT students have felt unsafe in school.
• 1 in 5 LGBT students have been the victim of physical assault in school.
www.stopbullying.gov
LGBT students remember that YOU:
• Matter and have a place in the world
• Are not alone
• Should be confident in who you are

12. HOW TO HANDLE STRESS:
DEALING WITH INTENSE EMOTIONS
• Simple Breathing Exercise
• Do some of your favorite activities
• Exercise
• Remember overcoming past difficulties
• Keep a list of those you can go to for support
• Make a gratitude list
• Focus on future goals
• Have religious /spiritual mentors
• Be active in extra-curricular activities
• Do something kind in honor of someone else

13. Hosted @
The Chicago School of Professional
Psychology
325 North Wells Street Room 407
Chicago, IL 60654
Check in: 11am
Event Start: 11:30am
(312) 720-7965 contact Julie
Reichenberger
FREE