In order to help prevent suicide, we need to understand the reasons why people, especially teens, choose to commit suicide. Some reasons given include, but are not limited to, lack of hope for the future, low self-worth, a crisis in their lives, thinking others would be better off without them, not valuing life, etc.
How can families help prevent suicide? I have just trained youth leaders from around the state of Florida through FHCC (FL Healthy Choices Coalition) on how to use this activity sheet to give people hope. Participants are to post their completed sheets at home where they can see them every day.
WHO I AM
MY NAME IS_________________________________
I AM STRONG: (Find five people you know who will write down or tell you a strength they see in you.)
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5.
I AM UNIQUE: (List five things that make you “one-of-a-kind” and prove that NO ONE can ever take your place. You are valuable and irreplaceable. Example: DNA)
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5.
I HAVE A FUTURE: (Think of at least five milestones/major things you want to see happen in the timeline of your life within the next 20 years.)
NOW_________________________________________________________________20 years from now
(Examples: buy a car, graduate, job, marriage, family)
I AM AN OVERCOMER: (I am mentally and emotionally healthy. List three challenges you have overcome.)
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Pam Mullarkey Robbins is the founder of Project SOS, which is now part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, and focuses on equipping teens with the critical life skills needed to make positive choices and protect themselves from unhealthy situations and relationships.
