COUNSELING AND WELLNESS CENTER

MARCUS WHITE RM 205VICTORIA KATE GINTER, MS, CRC, LPC

SOS Suicide Prevention Program

1. GOAL OF SOS IS TO HELP YOU RECOGNIZE THE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AND/OR SUICIDE IN

YOURSELVES, YOUR FRIENDS OR YOUR LOVED ONES

2. THE PROGRAM PURPOSE IS NOT TO TELL WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM

DEPRESSION, BUT RATHER TO TELL IF YOU MAY HAVE SYMPTOMS THAT INDICATE A NEED FOR

FURTHER EVALUATION

SOS – Suicide Prevention Program

Today’s Program will include the following:

A presentation & video about signs of suicide and the steps to take if you feel a friend or loved one is at risk

A depression screening form for you to complete

Instructions on how to score the screening form

Guidelines for getting further help for yourself or a friend, if necessary

Signs of Depression

Symptoms

Depressed Mood (sad, down, grouchy, irritable)

Change in sleeping patterns ( too much sleep, not enough sleep)

Change in weight or appetite (decreased/increased)

Speaking and or moving with unusual speed/slowness

Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities

Withdrawal from friends Feelings of worthlessness, guilt Feelings of hopelessness or

desperation Diminished ability to think or

concentrate, slowed thinking or indecisiveness

Thoughts of death, suicide, or wishes to be dead

Other Indications of Depression

Extreme Anxiety, agitation or enraged behavior

Excessive drug and /or alcohol abuse

Neglect of physical health

Signs of Bi-Polar

Bi-Polar is also known as Manic Depression. A person with bipolar disorder has severe mood swings, “high” or agitated moods and sad, down moods for no apparent reason. Other signs and symptoms include:

Inflated self-esteem of feelings of “superiority” A decreased need for sleep without tiredness or fatigue Increased talkativeness or inability to stop talking Racing thoughts or thoughts seeming disconnected Being easily distracted from whatever is going on Becoming increasingly focused on completing goals, like writing

a term paper in one night, or staying up all night cleaning the house

Becoming excessively involved in activities that are pleasurable but have high potential for painful consequences, such as excessive risk-taking, sexual activity, gambling, spending money etc.

Risk Factors For Suicidal Behavior

Depression or Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression) Strong feelings of hopelessness Drug and/or alcohol abuse Access to guns Strong feelings of wanting to be dead A previous suicide attempt Demonstrating behaviors indicating suicidal thoughts, such as talking

or writing about death/suicide, giving away possessions, saying goodbye

Serious behavior or conduct problems Legal or discipline crisis Having a past history or currently being emotionally, physically or

sexually abused Lack of mental health treatment for depression or other psychiatric

illness

CounselingCounseling PreventionPrevention

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Counseling And Wellness center

COUNSELING & WELLNESS CENTER

832 1945MARCUS WHITE ROOM 205MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM – 5PM

CAMPUS POLICE 832 2375

OFF CAMPUS CALL 911 OR TAKE PERSON TO LOCAL EMERGENCY ROOM

INFO STATEWIDE SUICIDE CRISIS HOT LINE 2-1-1NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE 1-800-

273-TALK

How to Get Help!!