A group of my colleagues delivered a moving presentation today on Depression and Suicide. I felt the information was important to share. I have added some additional detail.
Depression and suicide statistics are staggering. In Canada, suicides account for 24% of all deaths among people aged 15-24. In Ontario, 31% of students reported distress, and 10% of students reported thinking of suicide. Even more tragic, is that over 90% of people who commit suicide have some form of mental illness that is treatable.
We are teachers. We have face time with these kids almost daily. We have to be the front lines of defence and recognize the symptoms of depressions and signs that someone is contemplating suicide.
SIGNS OF DEPRESSION Most often, at the onset of depression, a person’s behaviour changes. The changes may be subtle, so you have to pay attention:
• withdrawal from social situations
• consistently arriving late or missing class frequently
• slipping grades
• disinterest in completing school work
• lowered morale
• difficulty communicating effectively
• problems concentrating
Pay particular attention to students who have recently lost a loved one, those you know who are going through relationship troubles, and to those you know who are socially isolated, and perhaps being bullied.
To support students dealing with depression, we as teachers, can do a number of things:
• invite a public speaker to come visit your class or school
• create an anti-bullying/depression/suicide prevention group in your school
• have your students create PSAs to air during morning announcements
• engage your class in positive team building activities to foster a sense of community
• connect a student who has come to you with the school public health nurse
SIGNS THAT SOMEONE IS CONTEMPLATING SUICIDE Surprisingly, 70% of people who commit suicide tell someone about their plans, or show warning signs. Keep your ears open for statements such as:
• My family would be better off without me
• Next time I'll take enough pills to do the job right
• I won't be around to deal with that
• You'll be sorry when I'm gone
• I just can't deal with everything - life is too hard
• There's nothing I can do to make it better
• I'd be better off dead
• I feel like there is no way out
Keep your eyes open for the following behaviours:
• Giving away articles of either personal or monetary value
• Signs of planning a suicide such as obtaining a weapon or writing a suicide note
• dark messages in the writings of your students (especially in subject areas calling for personal reflection)
• Student suddenly participating in risky behaviours
If you see someone who is suffering, stop and help. You may be saving a life.
