suicidal behavior continuum...u.s. youth suicide rates 10-14 15-19 20-24 james j. mazza @ 2012...

Suicidal Behavior Continuum

water line Death due to Suicide

James J. Mazza @ 2012

U.S. Youth Suicide Rates

10-14 15-19 20-24 Annual Rate per 100,000 National Center for Health Statistics (2010) James J. Mazza @ 2012

Myths about Suicide

Ø  Asking about Suicide may cause Suicidal Behavior

Ø  Most suicidal behavior is impulsive without forethought

Ø  Those who attempt Suicide get medical treatment

Ø  Suicide attempters leave Suicide Notes

Ø  Parents know if their Child is Suicidal

(Reynolds, 1988)

Invisible Signs of Youth Suicidal Behavior


Ø  Negative Personal History

Ø  Psychopathology & Negative personality traits

Ø  Social and interpersonal isolation & alienation

Ø  Breakdown of defenses

Ø  Self negative ideation

Ø  Availability & Accessibility

Berman & Jobes, 1991

Risk Factors for Suicide



Firearms

Suffocation

Fall/Jump (1.9%)

Transportation (1.0%) Cut/Pierce

Deaths due to Suicide in 2006

45.1%

42.3%

0.5%



Warning Signs of Suicide Ø  I Ideation Ø  S Substance Abuse Ø  P Purposelessness Ø  A Anxiety Ø  T Trapped Ø  H Hopelessness Ø  W Withdrawal Ø  A Anger Ø  R Recklessness Ø  M Mood Change


James J. Mazza @ 2012 (American Association of Suicidology, 2011)

Psychopathology and Adolescent

Suicidal Behavior Substance

Abuse Anxiety

Disorders

Suicidal Behavior

Borderline Personality

Depressive Disorders


3 Steps for Prevention Ø  Show you care

a. I’m concerned about you…. about how you feel Ø  Ask the question

a. Are you thinking about suicide?

b. What thoughts or plans do you have?

Ø  Call for help

a. I know where we can get some help Washington State Department of Health, 1997



Summary Ø  Adolescent suicidal behavior is complex

Ø Examining protective and risk factors is important for youth mental health

Ø  Address multiple co-occurring behaviors for prevention and intervention programs

Ø  3 steps to prevention - Ask the question

Ø  Talking about suicide with youth is OKAY!!



National Resource and Information Numbers

v  American Association of Suicidology

Ø  www.suicidology.org

Ø  202 237-2280

v  National Suicide Hotline

Ø  800 273-TALK



suicidal behavior continuum...u.s. youth suicide rates 10-14 15-19 20-24 james j. mazza @ 2012...

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