To help students talk about the pressures of life and to help them understand why suicide is never the best option.

OVERVIEW

LEADER PREPARATION

• Read a book or journal articles about suicide.
• If someone in your area committed suicide recently, how did the community react to it? What was in the papers? Do some local research.
• Record or obtain recent media information on suicide: talk shows, movies, news reports, or documentaries.
• Be aware of the particular kinds of pressure your kids face. (Among many issues, there may be one or two that are dominant.)
• Have index cards and pencils for every student.
• Prepare any necessary equipment for use.

GROUP BUILDING

• Lead a few songs to "break the ice".
• Play some sort of elimination game; "musical chairs" may be appropriate.
• Ask students write on index cards short answers to the question: "What or who in your life causes you the most pain?" (no specific names or identifying features—good answers would be "peer pressure," "family situation," etc.) After collecting the responses, the leader may read these anonymously to the group.

GROUP PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION

Probably the most effective media material to use would include a "primary source," such as a newscast. Portions of panel discussions may be good. Movies should probably be seen in their entirety to provide a context for the suicide events they illustrate.

• What is your initial reaction to what you have seen?
• What are the reasons that so many teenagers take their own lives? Explain fully.
• Was there anything that anybody could have done to stop this?
• What were some positive alternatives for this person?
• How did the family react?
• If your brother or sister committed suicide, how would you react? Explain fully.

WRAP-UP

• Life is a precious gift.
• Suicide is "a permanent solution to a temporary problem."
• A suicidal person must ultimately take responsibility for what they choose to do.
• A primary issue with suicide is the unwillingness or inability to cope with a perceived crisis.
• If you think you may be capable of taking your own life, talk to someone about it.
• In dealing with a suicidal friend, remember the following:

• Let them know you care.
• Persuade them to talk to someone else who can help.
• Do not keep this information a secret.
• If you can, thwart the attempt (i.e., take away pills, etc.)

Dean Borgman cCYS