If you're having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Don't stress; the call is confidential and free.
Talking Points:
- Remember that you have worth. Family, friends, neighbors, and others do care about you, even if it often doesn’t feel like it, and if you were to die, they would grieve your loss for the rest of their lives.
- Give voice to your feelings however you must – this will help you further understand your feelings. Then share what you’re going through with someone who cares – a neighbor, friend, family member, counselor, or favorite teacher.
- Your belief that suicide is the only escape may actually be a symptom of a mental illness such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia that is causing you to feel this way – this has been shown to be the case in 90% of suicides! Counseling and medical help from a doctor, while a long and difficult journey, may be your path to a happier, healthier life free from suicidal thoughts.
- If you’re having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Don’t stress; the call is confidential and free. Do it immediately.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What are the things that are currently stressing you out or making you sad? How have you tried to deal with those things up to now?
- List some people who care about you, even if they have disappointed you. Why do these people matter to you?
- How do you typically express your emotions (song/poem, talking it out, something else)? How have these things helped you to get your feelings out?
- Why is it dangerous to bottle up your emotions?
- Why is there value to speaking with a professional counselor? What other resources do you feel like you need right now?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
