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Presented by:
IRENE S. VELASCO
School Principal 1
Masagana High School
This topic will cover:
• Definition of Risk Factor Stress, Depression and Suicidal Risk
• Myths and Facts about Stress, Depression and Suicide
• Risk factors, Warning signs & Protective Factors
• Basic intervention skills to use with suicidal behavior
• Resources for help
Definitions
STRESS- “The reaction people may have when presented with demands and pressures that are NOT
matched to their knowledge and abilities and which challenge their ability to cope.”
-World Health Organization
• (Civil Service Employee Assistance Service, 2015)
DEPRESSION - It is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in
activities once enjoyed. It affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of
emotional and physical problems.
-American Psychiatric Association
SUICIDE - Death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with an intent to die as a result of
the behavior.
Suicidal ideation
Thinking about, considering, or planning suicide.
Suicide attempt
A non-fatal, self-directed, potentially injurious behavior with an intent to die as a result of the behavior;
might not result in injury.
-Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Definitions
Risk Factors- Stressful events or situations that may increase
the likelihood of a suicide attempt or death. (Not predictive!)
Protective Factors- Personal and social resources that
promote resiliency and reduce the potential of suicide and
other high-risk behaviors.
Warning Signs- the early observable signs that indicate
increased risk of suicide for someone in the near-term.
(Within hours or days.)
Myths vs. Facts (Stress)
MYTH
Completely wrong. Stress is different for each of us. What
is stressful for one person may or may not be stressful for
another; each of us responds to stress in an entirely different
way.
Myths vs. Facts (Stress)
• Stress is always bad for you.
MYTH
According to this view, zero stress makes us happy and healthy.
Wrong. Stress is to the human condition what tension is to the violin
string: too little and the music is dull and raspy; too much and the
music is shrill or the string snaps.
• Stress can motivate people to prepare or perform, like when they
need to take a test or interview for a new job. Stress can even be life-
saving in some situations. In response to danger, your body prepares
to face a threat or flee to safety. In these situations, your pulse
quickens, you breathe faster, your muscles tense, your brain uses more
oxygen and increases activity—all functions aimed at survival.
Myths vs. Facts (Stress)
• Long-term stress can harm your health.
FACT
According to this view, zero stress makes us happy and healthy.
Wrong. Stress is to the human condition what tension is to the violin
string: too little and the music is dull and raspy; too much and the
music is shrill or the string snaps.
Stress can motivate people to prepare or perform, like when they
need to take a test or interview for a new job. Stress can even be life-
saving in some situations. In response to danger, your body prepares
to face a threat or flee to safety. In these situations, your pulse
quickens, you breathe faster, your muscles tense, your brain uses more
oxygen and increases activity—all functions aimed at survival.
Myths vs. Facts (Stress)
• Long-term stress can harm your health.
FACT
Health problems can occur if the stress response goes on
for too long or becomes chronic, such as when the source of
stress is constant, or if the response continues after the
danger has subsided. With chronic stress, those same life-
saving responses in your body can suppress immune,
digestive, sleep, and reproductive systems, which may cause
them to stop working normally.
Myths vs. Facts (Stress)
HOWEVER:
• Ambivalence exists
• Communicating distress is common
• Invitations to help are often extended
Invitations to Help
FEELINGS
Desperate Worthless THOUGHTS
Angry Lonely
“All of my problems will end soon”
Guilty Sad
Worthless “I just can’t take it anymore”
Hopeless
“I wish I were dead”
“You’ll be better off without me”
“I can’t do anything right”
ACTIONS
Giving away possessions
Withdrawal
Abuse/use of substances
Reckless behavior
PHYSICAL
Extreme mood swings Lack of interest in appearance
Increased impulsivity Changes in appetite, weight
Self-injury (maybe) Change in sleep patterns
Why People Hesitate to Ask for Help
• Unwilling to admit needing help
• Afraid to upset/anger others
• Unable describe their feelings/needs
• Unsure of available help or resources
• Struggling with symptoms of depression
• Don’t know what to expect
• Shame, fear of stigma
• May prefer to confide in peers
Why People Hesitate to Help
• Not sure about how severe the risk is; what if they’re wrong?
• Worry about doing/saying the “right” thing
• Feelings of inadequacy
• Afraid to put the idea in
someone’s head
• Feel it’s not “their issue”
• Bystander Effect
Intervention:
A bridge to help
What IS Helpful
1) Show You Care—Listen carefully—Be genuine
“I’m concerned about you . . . about how you feel.”