Page 143 - The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9-12: Health and Physical Education, 2015 - revised

C1.3 describe warning signs for suicide, and identify sources of support that can help people who may be contemplating suicide [IS]*
Teacher prompt: “Signs that indicate someone may be contemplating suicide may include actual threats of suicide or talking/writing on social media about wanting to
die, but these aren’t the only possible signs. Look for major changes in behaviour, mood, or appearance, especially signs of sadness or withdrawal, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, excessive use of drugs or alcohol, and planning for death by giving away possessions. All suicidal thoughts or threats must be taken seriously, as should any behaviour that is out of character. If you think that someone you know is contemplating suicide or could become suicidal, the best thing you can do is help them get help.
Whom can you contact for help?”
Student: “Share your concerns with a trusted and responsible adult, such as a parent,
a teacher, or an elder, who can help the person get counselling. The telephone help line
at your local distress centre can put you in touch immediately with a trained volunteer, who can provide advice and information about where to get professional support. Hospitals, local health units, doctors, and nurses can also provide help. If someone tells you they
are thinking of suicide, don’t promise to keep it a secret. Let them know that you will consider this information confidential, but you will tell a responsible adult who can
help them.”
Human Development and Sexual Health
C1.4 demonstrate an understanding of a variety of mental illnesses and addictions (e.g., eating disorders; major depression; anxiety disorders; psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia; obsessive- compulsive disorder [OCD]; bipolar disorder; tobacco, alcohol, drug, gambling, gaming, or Internet addictions), their causes and manifestations, and their effects on personal health and well- being (e.g., effects of stigmatization, underachievement at school, strain on social relationships, loss of employment, increased risk of physical injury or illness)
Teacher prompt: “Mental illnesses involve disturbances in thoughts and emotions that decrease a person’s capacity to cope with the routine challenges of everyday life. We don’t know for sure what causes mental illness, but studies suggest that a mixture of factors, such as age, sex, genetic background, stresses related to one’s personal environment and experiences, and chronic illness, affect a person’s susceptibility to different kinds of mental illness. All of us are vulnerable to mental health problems, and the state of our mental health, at any given time, can lie anywhere along a line between well and less well.”
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Teacher prompt: “The first signs of mental illness often appear between the ages of 15 and 30. Mental illnesses require an assessment and diagnosis by a physician, and most can be treated successfully. It is important for a person with warning signs to get help early. What are some possible warning signs?”
Students: “The warning signs of mental illness differ with the illness and may also differ among individuals. Someone with schizophrenia may have delusions or hallucinations. Someone with an anxiety disorder might have thoughts or ideas that cause them significant anxiety and stress. Someone with a compulsive disorder may engage in repeated behaviours or mental acts to reduce anxiety. Someone with an eating disorder may refuse to eat, go on eating binges, or combine binges with fasting or purging.” “Unhealthy weight control practices such as crash dieting are often associated with having a distorted body image and can lead to serious eating disorders such as bulimia.”
* Discussions about mental health and suicide should be approached with caution and sensitivity. See pages 5, 39–40, and 42–43 for further information.
HEALTHY LIVING
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Healthy Active Living Education
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