• The Issue: Suicide • Factoids: Teen Suicide • True Story: Suicidal No More • Top 10: Things You Shouldn't Do • Quiz: Do You Know How to Help? • Be the Solution: Suicide Prevention Suicide Prevention Every 100 minutes a teenager commits suicide, according to the American Psychological Association. It's been said that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Well NOISEmakers, here's your chance to be a part of a different type of permanent solution: suicide prevention. • What can I do for myself? • What are some warning signs? • What should I do for my friends? • How else can I help? GET INVOLVED Am I suicidal? Maybe. I have thought about it. What can I do? This Survival Guide was taken from the NOISEboard Have you been suicidal?, posted by NOISEmaker AtomicSneeze. 1. Talk to someone you trust. MOST IMPORTANT! It took me a little while to find that person, but it turned out to be a school counselor. They told my parents, but that turned out to be for the better. 2. Get therapy if you can! My school offers free counseling. I know they have groups you can go to outside of school for people who are feeling the same way. Support is important. Lukvel thinks you should take suicide seriously: "Don't take any signs of suicide as being fun and games cuz it ain't once you lose someone close to you." Read more at What bout suicide...... 3. Express your feelings. I used a journal and wrote and drew how I felt (I still do!) For other people, it's some kind of art, or just talking to someone or yourself. Letting it out is WAY easier than keeping it all inside. 4. Exercise! It releases natural endorphins that act as an anti-depressant, and it makes you feel better! Breathe in the fresh air! 5. Help yourself! In my most desperate times, I called this number, 1-800-621-4000. It's called the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS), but they are there for ANY kind of crisis, especially if you are feeling really suicidal and need someone to talk to. Another number is 1-800-SUICIDE. It's scary to call sometimes, but they can't trace it and it's totally anonymous. 6. Call 1-800-SUICIDE. It is a free, 24-hour hotline you can call and speak to someone. 7. If you prefer to look for help on-line, go to www.suicidal.com.

	Talking about suicide or death About 80 percent of people who kill themselves talk about it before taking action. Writing or drawing about death or suicide These, like talking about suicide, can be attempts to reach out for help. A prior failed suicide attempt Even if the person says they were just fooling around, attempting suicide is a call for help that should be given attention. Comments like "things will be different soon," or "you won't have to worry about me much longer," or "all this will be over soon." Changes in regular behavior If someone is taking big risks, they may be trying to call out for attention. Examples could include changes in eating or sleeping habits and carelessness about things that used to important (such as school work or a team sport). Drug or alcohol abuse Alcohol is involved in 50 percent of all suicides. Putting things in order and tying up loose ends Giving away treasured objects Saying good-bye Getting in contact with old friends or distant relatives for a final good-bye may signal that the person is about to take action. Making a plan and getting the tools ready This might include getting a gun, pills, or toxic chemicals. A sudden good mood A very depressed person, once having decided on a plan to commit suicide, may feel relief.

	According to "The Dangers of Depression," a pamphlet produced by The American Medical Association, there are things you can do: If someone you know is in immediate danger to themselves or others, always call 911. Trust your instincts. Even if you've promised a friend that you won't tell anyone, you are being a better friend if you get him or her some help. Offer help and listen. Remember how it feels to listen to lectures all day in school? When someone is feeling suicidal it's his or her turn to talk - listen, don't lecture. Pay attention to talk about suicide. Take warning signs seriously. If someone talks about suicide, ask if they have a plan and try to get professional help. Reassure the person that there are other ways to solve their problems. And let them know that there are people who want to and can help them. Be sure the person has no access to lethal weapons, ropes or potentially lethal medications. If you feel the person is an immediate threat to himself or herself, do not leave them alone, unless you feel that you are putting yourself at risk. Remind your friend that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Tell an adult who can help. If one adult doesn't think it's a big deal, talk to another one.

I don't know anyone who has thought about suicide, but I'd still like to help. What can I do?

	Join the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program This organization is helping spread the word to teens about suicide prevention. They've developed emergency cards with suicide prevention tips that you can order for FREE on their website. Join one of their chapters, located throughout the country, to really make some NOISE! For more information, go to www.yellowribbon.org. Become a crisis line counselor Throughout the nation, local teen crisis lines are looking for volunteers. Type your zip code into Get Local, look in your phone book or call the National Youth Crisis Hotline at 1-800-448-4663 for listings of crisis lines nationwide. Become a TeenAdvice.org counselor Teen Advice Online is a great site for information on a variety topics that might be of interest to teens, including suicide, drugs abuse, relationships, homework and health issues. For more information, go to www.teenadvice.org.

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	Check out these features for more facts on suicide and to find out what you could do to get help or help someone you know. • Every 100 Minutes: How often another teenager commits suicide. • Suicidal No More: One NOISEmaker shares how she went to the edge and back. • Teen Suicide Quiz: Do You Know How to Help? • Suicide: Myth vs. Reality: Find out what's true and what's bogus.

Source:
The American Medical Association pamphlet "The Dangers of Depression:' http://www.medem.com/search/article_display.cfm?path=n:&mstr=/ZZZDLTCOACC.html&soc=AMA&srch_typ=NAV_SERCH