KNOW WHAT TO DO Preventing Youth Suicide
KNOW WHAT TO WATCH FOR
KNOW WHAT TO DO
KNOW WHAT TO SAY
• Changes in behaviours, friends, or normal activities
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• Say something! Don’t be afraid of sounding clumsy • Be patient, compassionate, and non-judgmental • Ask the person how they are feeling and if they are thinking of suicide • If someone is suicidal, talking about suicide will not put them at greater risk • Really listen. Give 100% of your attention • Be sensitive, but direct • Let the person know you are concerned, and give examples of why • Example: “I’ve noticed that you’ve been not yourself lately, I’m concerned about you. Could we talk about it?”
• Changes in physical health and/or hygiene • Low energy, poor concentration • Declining school performance • • • • • • •
Increased absenteeism Marked personality change Increased risky behaviour Prolonged negative mood or attitude Preoccupation with appearance and/or body image Comments about feeling worthless, helpless, or hopeless Comments about suicide and/or dying
WHERE TO GET HELP
YSB’s 24/7 Crisis Line
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If there is an emergency, call 911 or go to the hospital Call a local crisis line (even if you are not the person in crisis) Stay calm and listen Be sensitive to how the person is feeling Never swear secrecy If you have noticed warning signs, talk with the person about what you have observed Educate yourself on local services that can help For students, contact school principal and school counsellor Give the person the crisis line phone numbers on this card Don’t forget to take care of yourself – it’s especially important when supporting others!
Within Ottawa 613-260-2360 Outside Ottawa 1-877-377-7775 (toll-free) www.ysb.ca (0 to 18 years)
Regional Psychiatric Emergency Services for Children and Youth at the CHEO Emergency Department: 401 Smyth Rd.
Within Ottawa 613-722-6914 Outside Ottawa 1-866-996-0991 (toll-free) www.crisisline.ca (16 years and above)
CREATING A SUICIDE SAFER COMMUNITY IN OTTAWA Ottawa’s Community Suicide Prevention Network includes over 50 organizations, brought together in 2011 by a growing concern about youth suicide and a desire to provide hope and help for youth who are at risk. We are working together to make Ottawa a suicide safer community. For more information or to get involved, please visit us at facebook.com/PreventingSuicide.
Gatineau 819-775-3223 Ottawa 613-741-6433 Rural Outaouais 1-800-567-9699 (toll-free)
Emergency Departments of the Ottawa Hospital, the Monfort Hospital, or the Queensway-Carleton Hospital.
Helping youth in crisis, or at risk of suicide.