Violence hurts:

* Feelings* Community

* Self-esteem* School

Acts of violence can create!

* Fear and tension in school

* A poor learning environment

* Stress

* Physical, emotional, and mental problems

Coping with the Loss of a Loved One

Shock- immediate response

Depression- disturbed sleep, fatigue, poor concentration, change in appetite

Anger- towards the deceased, family member, therapist, or oneself

Relief- if destruction had been the path of the loved one

Guilt- suicide survivors often question "what if" and "why"?

INTERNET RESOURCES FOR TEENS AND PARENTS

* Reachout- support and resources for young people going through tough times related to varoius issues

* Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program

* Teen Health and the Media - teens talking to teens about healthy choices in the areas of substance abuse prevention, tobacco, nutrition, sexuality and pregnancy prevention, and injury and suicide prevention

* National Safe Kids

*  Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network USA, Inc.

* National Strategy for Suicide Prevention

* Suicide Prevention Action Network

* Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

If Someone You Know...  

• Threatens suicide      
  

• Talks or writes about wanting
  

         to die

• Appears depressed, sad,
  

  withdrawn or hopeless                                                      

• Shows significant changes in  behavior, appearance or mood      
  

• Abuses drugs or alcohol  
  

• Deliberately injures himself or herself
  

• Says he or she will not be missed
  

         if gone 

• Gives away treasured belongings          
  

* Adapted from The Suicide and Information Center Online    

      

You Can Help:

• Stay calm and listen
  

• Take threats seriously
  

• Let him or her talk about his or her feelings
  

• Be accepting, do not judge
  

• Ask if he or she has suicidal thoughts
  

• Ask how intense and frequent these thoughts are
  

• Aks if he or she has a means to carry out the plan
  

• Don't swear to secrecy--tell someone
  

GET HELP- YOU ARE NOT ALONE!