Teen Suicide

Course Lessons

TNSU 101: The Dynamics of Suicide: What, Why, Who and How

A spiritual battle takes place every day between light and dark, and suicide risk is a battleground. In this presentation, Jennifer Cisney Ellers describes factors that increase suicide risk, as well as common methods, risk factors, and ways to help.

TNSU 102: Choosing to Die: A Model of Understanding

Jennifer Cisney Ellers reviews Dr. Thomas Joiner’s model of understanding how and why suicide occurs. It is important for caregivers to provide preventative support, education and training in these situations.

TNSU 103: A Theology of Suicide: Biblical Principles and a Christian Response

Our Christian response to suicide needs to be one of confronting bad theology and thinking; encouraging people against using trite statements and, instead, urging good theology and practices; and practicing the ministry of presence. Ultimately, we can trust the Lord and know His love is powerful.

TNSU 104: Mental Illness and the Epidemiology of Suicide

Suicide is a complex issue with multiple contributing genetic and environmental factors. Mental illness is a key factor in identifying someone as having a predisposition for suicide. Methods are discussed, along with common triggers and general warning signs. Protective factors and prevention strategies are important in dealing with people in suicidal crisis.

TNSU 105: The Changing Tide of Teen Suicide: Insights into a Screen-Saturated Generation

Mainstream media is normalizing suicide, and teenagers need help now more than ever. In this presentation, Dr. Joshua Straub will discuss the importance of listening to teenagers and provide practical steps for parents and counselors.

TNSU 106: Teen Suicide and Self-injury: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment Strategies

Studies have shown that four out of five teens will give some kind of warning sign prior to a suicide attempt. Do you know these warning signs? Do you know how you would help a young teen struggling with suicidal ideation or self-injurious behavior? Do you have a plan for treatment? If you answered "No" to any of these questions, this video lesson is for you.

TNSU 107: Helping Teens in Crisis

The teen years are some of the most challenging in many ways. Teenagers must face new pressures, changing bodies, and a developing sense of identity. Counselors and caregivers need to be aware of the crises that teenagers face during these formative years, and must be equipped with knowledge and tools to help teenagers through their individual crises.

TNSU 108: The Ethics of Suicide Intervention

During ethical decision making, the mental health provider should identify the problem and potential issues involved, know and review all ethics codes, laws, regulations and policies, obtain consultation, consider all possible courses of action, choose what appears to be the best course and follow through, and document the process and outcomes.

TNSU 109: Suicide Prevention and Intervention with Adolescents

Suicidal behaviors, suicidal ideation, and non-suicidal self-mutilating behaviors (SMB) are issues surrounding today’s adolescents. Today’s youth may engage in SMB to stop bad feelings, feel something (even if it is pain), punish themselves, relieve feelings of numbness or emptiness, feel relaxed, or give themselves something to do when alone.

TNSU 110: Conducting a Suicide Assessment: Using the Safe-T Model

In this session, Dr. Gary Sibcy reviews and unpacks the Safe-T 5 Step Evaluation & Triage System for Suicide Assessment developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the American Psychological Association (APA). Through three role plays, Dr. Sibcy demonstrates how to use this method with clients of varying suicide risk level.

TNSU 111: Families in Crisis: The First 48 Hours Following Suicide

Discovering the body of someone who has committed suicide or receiving a death notification can be traumatic to the point that the chemistry of the brain changes in the immediate aftermath. Throughout this tumultuous time, caregivers can provide emotional and practical support that minimizes further secondary wounds to survivors.

TNSU 112: Grieving a Suicide: Long-term Support for Survivors and Loved Ones

In this session, Jennifer Cisney Ellers and Dr. Eric Scalise will describe the complicated grief that follows a suicide and the experience of survivors. Strategies to facilitate healthy grieving and healing are outlined. Viewers will also learn what is unhelpful and how to avoid responses that cause further alienation and shame for survivors.