ReThinking Youth Suicide Prevention: An Invitation to Dialogue

1
Re-Thinking Youth Suicide Prevention An
Invitation to Dialogue

• Rebecca Hudson Breen, MA, CCC
• Jennifer White, EdD
• Jonathan Morris, BA

2
Introduction

• Who we are
• Who are you?
• Approach Principles
• Beyond imparting knowledge
• Recognizing wisdom and resources of learners
• Research-informed
• Collaborative meaning-making
• Critical reflexivity

3
Starting Places

• Many youth suicides are preventable
• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among
  youth, aged 10-24
• Approximately 10 of Canadian adolescents attempt
  suicide each year
• No single answer or simple solution exists
• Dialogue, joint action and collaborative
  knowledge generation hold promise

4
Protective Factors

• Good coping and problem-solving skills
• Strong family support and involvement
• Healthy, interpersonal relationships
• Positive school climate
• Strong community and cultural ties

5
Risk Factors

• Vulnerable populations (males, older teens)
• Mental illness (depression, substance abuse)
• 20 of Canadians will personally experience
  mental illness We are all affected directly or
  indirectly
• Previous suicidal behaviour
• Family history of mental illness and suicidal
  behaviour
• History of childhood abuse
• Stressful life events and recent losses
• Sensationalized media reports
• Access to lethal methods

6
Small Group Discussion

• How do you currently understand the work of youth
  suicide prevention?
• What makes youth suicide prevention efforts
  worthwhile?
• What questions, concerns, or pockets of
  uncertainty do you have about youth suicide
  prevention efforts?

7
Debrief

• Themes
• Understandings
• Importance
• Uncertainties

8
Community Education Doing Youth Suicide
Prevention

• A School Based, Youth-Focused Approach
• Natural site youth environment
• Inviting conversation
• Learning from youth
• Breaking the Taboos
• Education about Mental Health
• Empowering Action - Acknowledgement

9
Key Prevention Messages

• Youth as powerful resources
• Recognizing signs
• Ask specifically about suicidal thoughts
• Differentiating self-injury from suicidal intent
• Drastic form of communication
• Trust your gut dont worry alone

10
Intervening With Youth and Their Social
Environments

• Youth
• Families
• Schools
• Communities
• a collaborative
• approach