The Jason Foundation

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The Jason Foundation

• A Promise For
• Tomorrow

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The Story of Jason

• Named for Jason who died from suicide in 1997.
• Typical teen, but was not happy.
• Made a decision without letting anyone know how
  he felt.
• Showed warning signs before.

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Pre/Post-Test Results

• All 9th Graders
• Average Pre-test Score 5.29/10
• Average Post-test Score 7.60/10

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TRUE

• SUICIDE IS THE 3rd LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR
• YOUNG PEOPLE
• AGE 15 to 24.

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It is estimated that

• WE LOSE APPROXIMATELY 100 YOUNG PEOPLE TO
  SUICIDE EACH WEEK IN OUR NATION.

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FALSE

• PEOPLE WHO TALK ABOUT OR THREATEN SUICIDE RARELY
  COMMIT SUICIDE.

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TRUE

• APPROXIMATELY ONE YOUNG PERSON DIES BY SUICIDE
  EVERY
• 1 HOUR and 45 MINUTES.

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FALSE

• TALKING TO A PERSON ABOUT SUICIDAL FEELINGS MAY
  CAUSE HIM/HER TO ATTEMPT SUICIDE.

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TRUE

• SUICIDE IS THE NUMBER ONE PREVENTABLE CAUSE OF
  DEATH.

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TRUE

• PEOPLE WHO ARE CONTEMPLATING SUICIDE ALMOST
  ALWAYS INDICATE THEIR INTENTIONS TO SOMEONE
  BEFOREHAND.

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IN FACT

• In almost 70 of all suicides the person told
  someone their intentions at least 1 hour before.
• Why didnt that person say anything about what
  they had been told?

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Youth Suicide Statistics

• 1. Suicide is the third leading cause of death
  among young people ages 15 to 24.
• 2. Youth suicide rates have tripled in the last
  40 years.
• 3. There has been a 100 increase in suicides
  for 10-14 year olds since 1980.
• 4. 100 young people lose their lives to
  suicide each week.
• 5. More teenagers and young adults die from
  suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS,
  birth defects, stroke, pneumonia and influenza,
  and chronic lung disease combined.

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Just a Bad Day or Something More

• Do you think it is normal to have a bad day?
• What are some words that describe how you feel on
  your bad days?
• Does anyone notice you are having a bad day?
• If yes, who?
• How do you know they notice?

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Warning Signs

• Suicide Threats
• Previous Suicide Attempts
• Sudden Changes In Behavior
• Depression
• Final Arrangements

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Suicide Threats

• I would be better off dead!
• You wont have me around much longer to
  bother you!
• I wish I was dead
• I am going to kill myself(this is straight
  forward, but it happens)
• Can you think of other examples?

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Previous Suicide Attempts

• Four out of five completed suicides are NOT the
  first attempt.
• Physical Mutilation is an attempt to relieve
  anxietyit can sometimes lead to suicidal
  thoughts or attempts.
• Even if the attempt seems to be only for
  attention, take it as a serious cry for help and
  seek help immediately.

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Sudden Changes in Behavior

• A quiet person becomes loud and obvious.
• A loud person becomes very quiet and reserved.
• A gentle person becomes aggressive and angers
  easily.
• An outgoing person becomes withdrawn.
• There may be changes in grades or class attendance

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Depression

• Feeling the blues every day for two weeks or
  longer
• Feelings of being alone or of no one caring
• Sleeplessness or wanting to sleep an abnormal
  amount of time
• Eating disorders - eating too much or not enough

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Final Arrangements

• The giving away of prized possessions
  examples favorite piece of jewelry or clothing,
  drivers license, collection, etc.
• Making rounds the visiting of friends to set
  things right and say good-bye.
• Sharing of funeral plans (primarily by girls to a
  best friend).

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How to Help

• Talk Listen Respond
• LIFE
• Listen
• Insist on honesty
• Feelings - share them
• Extend a helping hand

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ITS ABOUT LIVING LIFE

• L- represents the main thing you must do.
• LISTEN
• I-represents the second thing you can do to help.
• INSIST ON HONESTY
• F-stands for the third thing you can do to help
  your friend, talk about FEELINGS, yours and
  theirs.
• E-is for EXTEND A HELPING HAND. Go with your
  friend to get help.

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POSSIBLE PLACES FOR HELP

• Favorite Teacher/Coach
• Parent
• Clergy
• Guidance Counselor
• Medical Doctor
• Other Trusted Adult
• Crisis Line
• Local Mental Health Center

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Friends Helping Friends

• If you see any of the signs mentioned in a friend
  or a classmate, tell a responsible adult
  immediately.
• Be willing to risk your friendship to save a
  friend.
• REMEMBER
• Your knowledge of suicidal ideation
• could save someones life.

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The Jason Foundation
www.jasonfoundation.com 1-888-881-2323