1 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingYELLOW RIBBON Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training for SCHOOL and COMMUNITY 1) (CUE) slide to be live on screen as participants enter the room and get settled. 2) After you are introduced, do a handout check & name tags/ table tents check 3) Housekeeping 4) Welcome… (SAY)…The training you will be receiving today is called BE-A-LINK! Gatekeeper Training for School Staff. You may add if desired: There are companion BAL trainings for community, faith-based and for first responders (law enforcement and EMS personnel). NOTE to presenter: You are encouraged to share your knowledge and if appropriate, experiences of these topics as you go through the training. Personal stories help people relate to events in their life and how they may connect the training with their lives. It makes the presentation more impactful to the participants (CLICK) to slide #2 © 2007 Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program Rev. 2015
2 Suicide is Preventable1Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention Training Suicide is Preventable1 YOU can make a difference as a Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper, the trusted adult or helper! Through Awareness &Training: Ask 4 Help! Be Link! Natural disasters like Katrina and man-made events such as 9/11 and school suicide-related incidents have taught us that it is vital to be prepared. Through Readiness & Preparedness: Planning Preparedness Readiness SCRIPT / Talking points (say): Yes, you heard me right, “Suicide is preventable”1 “Suicide is the most preventable death”.2 Click – read first icon/statement. ADD: Through awareness, education and action. Experts know that we all can make a difference. Click – read all of the second icon/statement TRANSITION: Let’s look at some of the goals of the training… (1 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention)
3 Jason Flatt Act (SB 323) Requires each school district to provide at least one hour of training each calendar year to all school staff. A building crisis plan including steps for recognizing suicide ideation, appropriate methods of interventions, and a crisis recovery plan. Requires each school district to notify parents or legal guardians of students that the training materials are available. State Board to adopt rules and regulations necessary by January 1, 2017.
4 Summary of the TrainingThe Terminology of Suicide The Facts about Suicide The Myths about Suicide The Elements of Suicide Risk Factors Warning Signs Protective Measures SCRIPT / Talking points (say): The GOALS of this training are to help define your ROLE in suicide prevention. Your role is to BE A LINK!® and to refer to help, not to provide counseling services yourself. Learning warning signs, risk and protective factors and school (site) protocols for responding to and helping those in need can help save lives. Using correct terminology will help you to help others, help reduce stigma, and it can help you to talk to your own children about suicide prevention. Use the words “died by suicide” and “suicide attempt” as opposed to using the outdated words such as “commit” suicide (it is really a completed suicide”) and the oxymoron words of “failed attempt” and “successful at committing suicide”. Learning that we all can help in suicide prevention is important. The World Health Organization confirms that we can make a difference and help save lives….“Individuals in many roles and at all levels of community and society…can make a unique and productive contribution to the prevention of suicidal behaviors”. (World Health Organization, National Strategy Guidelines, 1996) TRANSITION: WHO should be trained? ----- © Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program -- © Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program --
5 The Community Trained about SuicideLack of availability of trained mental health professionals, and/or Continued magnitude of an event(s) creates a need for Community members (citizens) trained in basic suicide prevention to fill the gap, provide support & help. (Citizens Emergency Response Training concept) (C.E.R.T.) SCRIPT / Talking points (say): We have a lot of programs in our communities to prevent drunk driving and that is good. We need to keep doing that, but we need to start talking about suicide and doing something about it - making sure that people know it is okay to ask for help! Note to Presenter: It is important that people get some idea regarding how big the problem of suicide is. We suggest that you get facts specific to the area in which the training is being held (state or community), and share that handout with the participants. Those statistics can be found at: and at Suicide Prevention Resource Center: (www.sprc.org/stateinformation/datasheets.asp) then click to given area you are searching. TRANSITION: Let’s look at some of the FACTS of suicide... © Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program --
6 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingThe Terminology of Suicide Helps reduce stigma and raise awareness Committed / Successful Suicide Died by suicide Failed Attempt Attempted Survivor of Suicide Loss Suicide Attempt Survivor SCRIPT / Talking points (say): Our language can say things we may not be trying to say: Committed suicide connotes a crime. The word also implies wrong doing i.e. committing a sin or a crime. Completed suicide connotes success Failed Attempt implies failure! Took his/her life implies choice – but…do they really have a choice to have (had) a brain disorder like depression, (a medical illness) or anxiety? Remember the myth: ‘want to die’ when for many suicide is really about ending the pain when that pain becomes greater than the ability to cope (manage) it. Died by Suicide is the term preferred by survivor’s groups and experts. New “High Risk Group” are the survivors of loss. Loss of a loved one by suicide can increase their risk. Postvention is important to know as it is a time that effective prevention can be done after there has been an incident / have been incidents (see glossary) TRANSITION…WHO should be trained? New High Risk Group © Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program --
7 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingThe Facts About Suicide Not uncommon for teens to think about suicide. One in five teens in the US seriously consider suicide. (APA 2010) Second leading cause of death for ages (AAS, 2013) 25% of teachers have been approached by teens who were at risk of suicide. (CDPHE 2006) Every 108 minutes we lose a teen to suicide 41,149 total deaths, 4,878 ages 15-24 (AAS 2013) There is more awareness about suicide attempts and suicide deaths. Yet the experts are wanting us to realize that just as significant is the fact that it really is not uncommon for teens to think about suicide… One in five teenagers in the U.S. seriously considers suicide annually. There are attempts for every completed suicide. Having suicide prevention tools and lifeskills taught is a protective factor that can help save lives! Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for young people. There are attempts for every suicide.11 We teach our youth “don’t do drugs”, “don’t drink and drive” and other lifeskills. We must teach suicide prevention as well. Studies report that one 2-hour program can produce substantial gains in teachers’ awareness of youth suicide.12 TRANSITION : 7 © Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program -- © 2007 Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program Rev. 2015
8 Statistics on Suicide United States Kansas 41,149 reported suicides13 suicides per 100,000 population 77.9% of all deaths by suicide are male 51.5% of all reported suicides were by firearm 454 reported suicides 15.7 suicides per 100,000 population 78.6% of all deaths by suicide are male 1 person dies by suicide every 20 hours in KS Second leading cause of death for Youth ages 15-24
9 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingThe Myths about Suicide Talking About Suicide Won’t Spur Thoughts. It may allow them to unburden themselves. 1) AMA 2) Columbia Univ. Suicidal people want to die They often call for help immediately following a suicide attempt. (NAMI) Suicide isn’t chosen; it happens when pain exceeds resources for coping with pain. (David L. Conroy, Ph.D) Do Alcohol/ drugs impact suicide? Over 50% of youth who die by suicide are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. (APA) 9 © Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program – © Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program -- © 2007 Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program Rev. 2015
10 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingThe Myths about Suicide Doing Prevention in the Postvention* time Prevention CAN be successfully done in the Postvention Time. Risk factors can be increased and it is important to help survivors and to address contagion. (Centers for Disease Control, Nat’l Strategy for Suicide Prevention) DOING SUICIDE PREVENTION IN A POSTVENTION TIME is very important as risk factors are increased in the postvention time and a community commitment to immediate identification of and intervention with survivors can turn postvention reaction into prevention strategies. Experts tell us that taking action can help save lives. Unfortunately many people believe that if WE TALK ABOUT IT, it will cause someone to do it. Talking to close friends and relatives helps a suicidal person seek help. TRANSITION : Lets review some more MYTHS of Suicide By contrast, not talking about suicide may send a false signal that you don’t care * Prevention strategies/actions taken after suicide(s)/attempt(s) in a community. 10 © Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program – © Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program -- © 2007 Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program Rev. 2015
11 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingThe Elements of Suicide Risk Factors are markers; events and situations that can impact a person’s ability to cope with life Warning Signs are observable clues, changes in behavior Read the slide TRANSITION : Review of the Risk Factors. Protective Measures buffer individuals from suicidal thoughts and behaviors. (Centers for Disease Control) 11 © 2007 Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program Rev. 2015
12 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingRisk Factors* * Teenage Stressors Family Pressures Divorce Family Conflict Money Death Abuse - Neglect School Related Issues New school Falling Grades Being Bullied Internet Peers Bullying Drugs or Alcohol Breakup Sexual abuse Discrimination – Bullying Being excluded Teased Sexual orientation/Gender identity SCRIPT / Talking points (say): These are Risk Factors, YELLOW RIBBON Youth recognize them as “stressors”*. Yellow Ribbon has found that youth are much more cognizant of issues in life than perhaps previous generations were. The events of day-to-day life can be very intense for young people. Youth said specifically that they wanted this slide and the next one to stay in the training so adults can know what some of the stressors are that our youth really face in their lives often daily. Events such as the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or the end of a relationship are can be negative and traumatic for all of us. As one teen said, “going through a breakup is as hard to me as you going through a divorce but you know what to do. I’ve never done this before – I don’t know what I am supposed to do”. We need to be careful not to trivialize the emotional impact many of life’s events have on our youth. Conflicts in the family and money issues and starting new phases in our lives can also be very stressful. Especially if someone has any anxiety disorders or is simply very shy, and being bullied can be absolutely terrifying! Youth have expressed their fear about future school shootings, which is clearly a risk factor. Briefly review these points and call special attention to: Bullying: Discuss online bullying, not just face to face bullying. Mention recent media if appropriate. Discrimination: “It is not enough to not discriminate, we must not allow it to happen in our presence.” Gender identity and/or sexual orientation: Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers because of the ways they are treated in their homes, schools, communities and religious institutions. (Source: CDC MA YRBS, 2006) Each of the topics we have mentioned can lead to stress. If we don’t cope well with ongoing stress it CAN eventually lead to depression. We mentioned earlier that depression is one of the biggest risk factors for suicide. A primary Risk Factor is a previous attempt. 12
13 Risk Factors* Bullying Connection with suicide attempts/deaths 13* Teenage Stressors Bullying Connection with suicide attempts/deaths Bully victims are between 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims. (Studies by Yale University) Nearly 160,000 kids stay home from school every day because of fear of bullying (Statistics reported by ABC News) Bully-related suicide can be connected to any type of bullying, including physical, emotional, cyber bullying, and sexting, or circulating suggestive or nude photos or messages about a person. (bullyingstatistics.org) According to the National School Climate Center (2012) At some point, every kid becomes a bystander—someone who witnesses bullying but doesn’t get involved. Instead, you can be an upstander, a person who knows what’s happening is wrong and does something to make things right. It takes courage to speak up on someone’s behalf. But just think: by doing so, you are becoming a person of character and also helping someone else. 13
14 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingWarning Signs Warning Signs – Get Help Immediately Someone threatening to hurt or kill him/herself, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill themselves. Someone seeking access to firearms, pills, other lethal means. Someone talking/writing/drawing about death, dying or suicide. SCRIPT / Talking points (say): Warning signs can be very subtle or very blatant; they are a way for a person that is in a crisis to communicate that they need help. As a gatekeeper, never ignore warning signs, trust your instincts – don’t be afraid to act on your concerns. You don’t have to memorize all the warning signs but if you should witness, hear or see anyone exhibiting any one or more of these warning signs, it is cause for immediate response. Contact your school resource officer, administrator, your local mental health professional or agency. If no one is available at the local level, call TALK (8255) for guidance and help, or call 911. If you are in a school setting, follow your school/building protocol. Speak to a live person (not just leave a message). If you can’t reach the 1st contact, move up the list until you do reach a live person. If at all possible, don’t leave the person alone and try to remain calm. If you are calm and truly concerned, the individual will tend to remain calm as well. TRANSITION : Click to next slide… 85% of suicidal people have given warning signs. (American Association of Suicidology) 14 © 2007 Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program Rev. 2015
15 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingWarning Signs Warning Signs – Seek Help as soon as possible Withdrawing from friends, family & society Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities Giving away prized/special possessions Increasing alcohol/drug use Anxiety, unable to sleep or sleep all the time SCRIPT/ Talking Points (say): We can all give signals when we are in pain whether it is emotional, mental or physical pain with direct and indirect signals. Like walking the floor with a toothache or headache, crying with a broken heart or grief. There is often not enough time to review all of the warning signs but they are included in the slide so they can be seen on the handouts. Be sure to review the following: Marked Change Giving away prized possessions Real anxiety or anger (Adolescent males often show depression through anger.) Dramatic mood change One significant sign is elation after depression. That person may now be taking medicine which is helping their depression, but it can also be a sign of someone who has made the decision to take their life, thus relieving their stress or pressure. TRANSITION : Dramatic mood change (low to high or high to low) Rage, uncontrolled anger (girls get sad, boys get mad) Verbal cues “Nobody needs me” “Better off without me” 15 © 2007 Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program Rev. 2015
16 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingWarning Signs/Risk Factors STACKING: Often, what appears to be a singular, external pressure or occurrence is merely “the last straw” when added to ongoing stressors, depression and/or hopelessness. Suicide is the result of long-term ‘wearing-away’, an ‘erosion’ of a person’s ability to cope. Help! SCRIPT/ Talking Points (say): Just because one or more of the warning signs and/or risk factors may be present does not mean that person will take their life, but it is important to be aware that the signs and factors occurring in multiples are called “STACKING”. Always trust your gut – if you are concerned, chances are there is a reason, and you should err on the side of caution. We don’t always get a full picture on our own, which is why we need to build a safety net around the person at risk. Perception is reality to youth. A youth may have a good, strong supportive family environment and/or social support system, but if they perceive or feel that they cannot confide in, or seek help from, any of those people, then their reality is that they do not have that support. We need to make sure there is a support system that the youth feels comfortable with. TRANSITION : Now to the very important PROTECTIVE Factors. The more warning signs shown, and risk factors present, the higher the risk. 16 © 2007 Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program Rev. 2015
17 Protective Factors What Can We Do?Friends CAN help! As with First Aid and CPR, our actions can be lifesaving! Learn and use protective measures, factors that buffer individuals from suicidal thoughts and behaviors. SCRIPT / Talking Points (say) Read the slide TRANSITION: What can help?… (* British Journal of General Practice) 17
18 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingProtective Measures Yellow Ribbon Lifeskill Adults often don’t talk about suicide/suicide prevention, however youth are willing to learn lifeskills and take action and help. It was youth who took action and helped start this program after the death of a friend and loved one. Read the slide – this is important, it is a start of three slides to empower your participants. Words said by his family to his friends, “Please don’t do this”, “Please ask for help”, became the message and were put on slips of bright yellow paper. 18 © 2007 Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program Rev. 2015
19 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingProtective Measures Yellow Ribbon Lifeskill Why Yellow? For their friend who was known for his bright yellow 1968 Ford Mustang he had rebuilt. Teens pinned yellow ribbons on the papers, shared them at his service and mailed them “everywhere”. Read the slide – Within three weeks, word came of a girl who gave that slip of paper (the Ask4Help!® Card) to her teacher and asked for help. The ripple effect had begun… 19 © 2007 Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program Rev. 2015
20 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingProtective Measures Lifeskill….The Ask 4 Help!® Card Is a tool that helps someone Ask 4 Help for themselves or for a friend – it starts the conversation And a tool to know how to respond if you are asked for help. IMPORTANT NOTE: DISTRIBUTE THE CARDS NOW (or ask participants to get card from workshop folders). (1) Handling the cards can help reduce “fear of” the card and perhaps stigma and (2) Everyone getting the card reduces the negative association of having a card. This is particularly important when doing the youth audiences. Take time with these two slides, it is very important adults know what this card is in preparation to being handed one TRANSITION : Please turn the card over… To GET HELP Don’t have to have a card to ask for help! 20 © 2007 Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program Rev. 2015
21 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingProtective Measures Lifeskill….The Ask 4 Help!® Card 1 - STAY with the person Unless there is risk of harm for yourself. You are that person’s lifeline 2 - LISTEN, really listen Take them seriously. Take time with each of the three points. This simple lifeskill is very powerful and has been shown many times over the last 10+ years that knowing this skill has helped save lives. Step #1: STAY with the person (unless there is risk of harm for yourself, STAY). You can save a life just by being there. Step #2: LISTEN, really listen, pay attention, be aware. Take them seriously. We’ve looked at myths and learned that people do give warning signs and most of them really don’t want to die, but often don’t know how to ask for help. It is OK to ask them, “Are you OK, can I help”, “Who can we call, or who would you like to talk to”. And okay to tell them that you will be there with them and that you care. Step #3: GET, or call for, HELP Immediately! We are not the professionals. We are LINKS to life. It is not our role to solve the problem but to help them get to help. The resource numbers on the back of the card will help assist you if you cannot reach someone locally in your school, or in person. If you cannot reach help immediately, call 911. We don’t ask anyone to be a counselor, but to be a LINK for that individual! Sometimes people who feel suicidal may not even realize they are depressed. The Yellow Ribbon teen who died by suicide had situational depression which led to his death. Situational depression could be called “sometimes life sucks, and it just gets you down”. It can be as debilitating and painful as clinical or manic depression. The difference is that it is caused by life’s situations, life’s events. It is brought on by life! To GIVE HELP 3 - GET, or call, HELP immediately Don’t keep the secret 21 © 2007 Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program Rev. 2015
22 Starts the conversation to Get Help to Give HelpProtective Measures Why the Ask 4 Help! Card… 91% of teenagers surveyed indicated they would first tell a friend of their suicidal thoughts (Ross, 1985). 80% of suicidal individuals give verbal or behavioral clues of their intentions. (Poland, 1989). Starts the conversation to Get Help to Give Help 22
23 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingProtective Measures Steps to Help (Protocol) Teen/person in need goes to a friend . Peer/friend goes to: Trusted Adult Parent Grandparent Clergy Teacher Bus Driver Counselor Friend Family Doctor Who goes to Trusted Help(er): Your trusted friend Your clergy / counselor Their clergy / counselor Support work Community Mental Health Family Doctor Contact in your School Counselor, Psychologist Crisis Team SCRIPT / talking points (say) (Say)…The goal is to increase that safety net of support , resources and help. To review the steps: A teen goes to a friend who then will respond and stay – listen – get help, The friend will go to or call a trusted adult they know. Sometimes that is a parent, clergy leader or teacher. That person then sets the protocol into action by contacting the appropriate trusted / professional help. TRANSITION: Now, let’s look at what parent’s can do… 23
24 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingProtective Measures How to Respond to a Cry for Help Have a caring conversation, not a clinical assessment. BREATHE! Be genuine and caring. Don’t lie or make promises you can’t keep Tell them: “I am glad you called/came/talked to me”. “I do care, what’s happening in your life”. “How can I help”. “Let’s find someone who can help you get through this”. SCRIPT / talking points (say): What if a student gives me a card, or says goodbye as they are leaving the classroom? Ask them “what can I do to help”? “Would you like to talk to
25 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingProtective Measures How to Respond to a Cry for Help The ‘What if…’ questions A student gives me a card/says goodbye as they leave? Don’t wait! Use the steps to help (school protocol) to contact someone to follow up with the person (student). Don’t analyze, you don’t have to determine the level of risk. Contact appropriate person on Steps to Help (protocol list). They are ‘just looking for attention? SCRIPT / talking points (say): What if a student gives me a card, or says goodbye as they are leaving the classroom? Ask them “what can I do to help”? “Would you like to talk to
26 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingProtective Measures How to Respond to a Cry for Help Don’t Leave them alone Be glib or dismissing of the problem Try to solve the problem, your role is to be a link (use your school’s protocol) Do Be aware, supportive and positive Be non-judgmental and reassuring Give them your attention SCRIPT / Talking points (say): (John McIntosh, Ph.D. 2001) 26 © 2007 Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program Rev. 2015
27 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingProtective Factors Talking with your own Teen/Youth Talk to your kids to establish that they can talk to you! And to establish a baseline of their understanding and their knowledge. Parents CAN make a difference! SCRIPT/talking points (say) (SAY) Before talking with your teen Identify resources that you and he/she might be comfortable talking with. Make sure you have names and phone numbers of who you will call. Identify a buddy, having a friend ready that you can call, if needed, will give you the extra confidence to start and follow through with questions and/or getting help. Remember, if your child needs help – you may also need support. Choose appropriate time. Don’t plan to talk to your child prior to an event (dinner, game, etc.) so that neither of you feels ‘rushed’ to get answers or feels ‘cornered’. Review the questions to ask and possible responses, but don’t overwork scenarios, you need to be ready to help and not be ‘worked up’ or afraid. Remember to tell them “I’ll be here for you!, I love you” (if you do/want to). And do remember…say the “S” word so they can say it to you if they ever need to and remember to listen. Take time to read the slide…this is an important piece of the training TRANSITION - Click to next slide You already teach them lifeskills They are accustomed to learning from you Talking about suicide won’t plant the idea If you don’t talk to them, who will?
28 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingProtective Factors Talking with your own Teen/Youth Preparation steps before you talk… Identify your resources Identify a “buddy” you can call Review questions on next slide Remember to say the “S” word Choose an appropriate time to talk Parents CAN make a difference! SCRIPT/talking points (say) (SAY): Research consistently shows that “parents remain a powerful influence on youth to avoid drinking, drug use, violent behavior and suicide attempts”. Your children do want you…usually when they want you – on their time schedule, but it is important to let them know that they can talk to you about suicide. You do that by speaking the word suicide and having a conversation with them. Yellow Ribbon has presented to over 200,000 kids, and over and over they tell us that what they want to help them through is: “my mom”, “my folks”, “my dad”. It may take a while, but open that door to communication about this subject. Feedback from teens have shown that asking in this manner helps create common ground for dialogue with your teen. Don’t be afraid to share with them your own fears and experiences -- tell him/her of the times when you felt/feel lonely, rejected, betrayed, and how you work and worked your way through it so he/she can learn how to do the same. Take time to read the slide…this is an important piece of the training TRANSITION - Click to next slide
29 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingProtective Measures Talking with your own Teen/Youth Show them the Ask4Help!® card Tell what you’ve learned today ASK them: “Do you know about the YR program?” “Do you know anyone who has talked of suicide?” “Do you know anyone who has attempted suicide?” “Have you ever thought of attempting suicide?” “What can I do to Help? “We are in this together” SCRIPT/talking points (say) Many youth are fearful of having their parents told of their suicidal ideation. They tell us that they “don’t want to hurt their parents” or “burden them”. Due to their own intense personal pain, they don’t grasp how much pain their parents will be in if / when they die. “Talking about it opens the door to that terrible isolation that has them trapped”.35 You can help them! Read Slide points: TRANSITION : Positive resistance to suicide is not permanent, so ongoing suicide prevention should be maintained
30 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingProtective Measures Continued Prevention IS Protective… Wear / Display the Yellow Ribbon symbol Annual Trainings for Professionals Keep A4H Cards Available Annual Trainings for Community SCRIPT/talking points (say) We can maintain by continuing activities and strategies and staying active to keep building protective factors and protective environments. Talking about suicide prevention in classrooms, wearing, using and displaying the Yellow Ribbon symbols are all protective factors. Participating in and supporting annual Yellow Ribbon events (National Suicide Prevention Week – the 2nd week of September) also helps the community stay actively involved. The more positive talking about suicide and the more people ‘trained’, the more lives can be saved. Keeping supplies of the A4H cards and brochure readily accessible to youth throughout the community is very important. Many high schools keep baskets of the cards in the counseling center, admin offices and in easily - accessible locations for students and they have told us that they never see a student take a card, but are always refilling the baskets. And…that students AND adults have used the cards to ask for help. TRANSITION : Here are some people “STAYING ACTIVE”… * Yellow Ribbon Community Action Guidelines Participate in Annual YR Week Annual Trainings for New Teachers and New Students
31 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingIt Just Takes One To Make A Difference! 1 Card Sent – 1 Girl – 1 Teacher – LIFE! SCRIPT/talking points (say) It does just take one person to make a difference. But sometimes, teens say, “how can I make a difference”? Dale Emme, co-founder of the YELLOW RIBBON Program, shares with audiences that it was ONE girl who sent ONE Ask 4 Help!® card in that first couple of weeks to ONE friend who took it to ONE teacher who helped save her friend’s life. To quote the first President of the International Yellow Ribbon Youth Council, when he testified before a U.S. Senate sub-committee hearing, “The Yellow Ribbon Card has no Expiration Date!”. Stan Collins, San Diego, CA So…let’s keep it going!! NOTE Presenter; be sure to read all this to participants “The Yellow Ribbon Card has no expiration date!” Stan Collins, Past President, IYC in testimony to U.S. Senate subcommittee 2001 Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program - ~ © 2007 Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program Rev. 2015
32 YELLOW RIBBON Review The game is played much like the Be A Millionaire game on TV. Have fun with this learning tool, it often creates much discussion. Take as much time as you want. If you are doing a training, you can do this in pieces throughout the training. It is a nice break for the kids. Basic instructions are on each slide note PARTICPANTS: Host, Contestant (a volunteer from the audience) and Audience (attendees in workshop) Each contestant has two lifelines: (1) phone a friend, (2) ask the audience (can’t do the 3rd which is 50/50 because can’t darken two of the answers). PLAY: Ask for volunteer to be a ‘contestant’. Each contestant usually does 3 questions. There are questions, thus 8 ‘contestants’ – the final question slide is answered by show of hands of audience. Contestant is seated in the chair facing the host and the screen (host stands a bit off to the side of the screen in front of the audience). Host ‘interviews’ the contestant – “tell us a couple of things about yourself”. Host to contestant: “Are you ready to play Who Wants To Be A Link”? Click to first slide – question is on the screen. Ask question – Click to bring up set of answers…READ all the answers. Ask contestant for his/her answer. Remind them they can use a lifeline. If lifeline is used, phone a friend – have fun ‘calling’ a friend in the audience. The audience choice for the answer is done by a show of hands Contestant answers the Q. Host asks “Is this your final answer”? Click the correct answer. If contestant wins, they get a piece of chocolate. (We recommend Dove candies as they have a sweet message inside the wrapper). Before all is said and done, really everyone has chocolate. Even for those not in the contestant seat.
33 Yellow Ribbon is….. A. Black & white & read all over...B. Suicide Prevention Program... B. Suicide Prevention Program... Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide C. For tying Mayday baskets D. A hairdresser...
34 All of these apply to the YR Program EXCEPT:A. Treats People Who Have Mental Illness A. Treats People Who Have Mental Illness B. Has Active Youth Clubs in Some Schools Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide C. Uses the Yellow Ribbon Card and Forms a Community Safety Net D. Is A Good Way To Save lives
35 All are good places to learn about Suicide Prevention EXCEPT.A. Libraries B. National Institute of Mental Health Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide End of slide 3…change contestants D. Your car mechanic C. Yellow Ribbon Classroom Presentations D. Your car mechanic
36 This best describes people with Mental Illness.A. Are Crazy B. Wear funny hats C. Have a Treatable Brain Illness C. Have a Treatable Brain Illness Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide D. Are Violent People
37 A. Stay With them - Till They Get helpIf a friend tells you they are thinking about suicide - which of these should you NOT do? A. Stay With them - Till They Get help B. Don’t Tell Anyone B. Don’t Tell Anyone C. Tell An Adult Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide D. Listen - Giving Them Your Full Attention
38 All of these are risk factors for known Depression EXCEPT?A. Being first born in a family A. Being first born in a family B. Genetics Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide C. Being female D. Chemical use
39 This group has the fastest growing rate of suicide today.A. White Males over the Age of 65 B. Young People - Ages Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide C. Youth Ages C. Youth Ages D. Computer Techs
40 If someone asks for your help by giving you a YR card – what would you NOT do?A. Stay B. Get Help Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide End of slide 9…change contestants C. Keep A Secret C. Keep A Secret D. Listen
41 Which is a Warning Sign of suicide?A. Being a Teen-ager B. Making Suicidal Statements B. Making Suicidal Statements Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide C. Taking your dog for a walk D. Hanging out at the mall
42 All of these are ways to be part of the Yellow Ribbon Program except:B. Give a Yellow Ribbon card to all your family members A. Keep your Yellow Ribbon card on your person. Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide End of slide 12…change contestants D. Throw your Yellow Ribbon card in the garbage D. Throw your Yellow Ribbon card in the garbage C. Be in a youth club at your school
43 Which are good ways to treat Depression:A. Medication B. Talk Therapy C. Stress Management Techniques Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide D. All of these D. All of these
44 Which one of these is NOT something the Yellow Ribbon Program does:A. Education B. Awareness Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide D. Counseling or Therapy D. Counseling or Therapy C. Have fun
45 When a person is suicidal, what should we do?A. Get a good night’s sleep, call the doctor in the morning. B. Play basketball Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide End of slide 15…change contestants C. Keep it a secret D. It’s a crisis, call for help. D. It’s a crisis, call for help.
46 C. My big sister or brother D. ClassmateWhich one of these community people can help if I need to use my Yellow Ribbon Card? A. Football Coach B. Minister C. My big sister or brother D. Classmate Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide E. Police Officer F. All of the Above F. All of the Above
47 All of these are signs of depression except:A. Sleeping too much B. Texting your friends every night B. Texting your friends every night C. Falling grades Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide D. Sleeping too little
48 Which of the following is true?A. Talking about suicide may cause someone to try it B. A suicidal person wants to die and no one can stop them Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide End of slide 18…change contestants C. Every suicide threat must be taken seriously C. Every suicide threat must be taken seriously D. Suicidal people keep their plans a secret
49 Which is NOT a warning sign of suicide?B. Talk of suicide, then happier or calmer A. Statements of hopelessness C. Eating lots of candy C. Eating lots of candy Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide D. Writing a will or suicide note
50 Which is NOT a Risk Factor for Suicide?A. Previous suicide attempt B. Having your picture taken B. Having your picture taken Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide C. Substance Abuse D. Depression
51 Which one does Yellow Ribbon NOT do?A. Train everyone B. A Community based, public health approach Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide End of slide 21…change contestants C. Make people rich C. Make people rich D. Partner with local professionals
52 How do you talk to your teen (parent) about suicide?A. Turn off the T.V. B. Show them the YR Card C. Ask if they have ever thought about suicide Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide D. Turn off the cell phone E. All of the above E. All of the above
53 Which is NOT a warning sign of suicide?A. Giving Away Prized Possessions B. Making suicidal statements Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask contestant… what is their answer, (do they need to use a lifeline?) If using lifeline, follow instructions on slide note page #1 Contestant gives final answer… Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy….continue to next slide C. Skipping school to go to a football game. C. Skipping school to go to a football game. D. Abrupt change in personality
54 If you think a friend is thinking about suicide you should.A. Ask them directly B. Tell a trusted adult Read… the Question Click… for set of answers Ask audience question by question to answer by a show of hands what is the correct answer. Click…for correct answer (will come up in yellow) Clap / cheer, throw candy…. End of questions…Click to final slide… C. Call the Crisis Line listed on the Yellow Ribbon card D. All of the above D. All of the above
55 YELLOW RIBBON Teen Program GAMECreated by Pat Shortall, R.N. Yellow Ribbon of Minnesota YELLOW RIBBON Suicide Prevention Program® PO Box 644, Westminster, CO ~
56 Be A Link!- Suicide Prevention TrainingYELLOW RIBBON Suicide Prevention Program PO Box 644 Westminster, CO 80036 1) (CUE) slide to be live on screen as participants enter the room and get settled. 2) After you are introduced, do a handout check & name tags/ table tents check 3) Housekeeping 4) Welcome… (SAY)…The training you will be receiving today is called BE-A-LINK! Gatekeeper Training for School Staff. You may add if desired: There are companion BAL trainings for community, faith-based and for first responders (law enforcement and EMS personnel). NOTE to presenter: You are encouraged to share your knowledge and if appropriate, experiences of these topics as you go through the training. Personal stories help people relate to events in their life and how they may connect the training with their lives. It makes the presentation more impactful to the participants (CLICK) to slide #2 © 2007 Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program Rev. 2015