2015‐05‐07 How to Change the Story on Suicide Reducing the risk of youth suicide, Iris the Dragon's narrative formula, and changing behaviours Presentation from Iris the Dragon Charity with Jessica Grass INTRODUCTION 1 2015‐05‐07 Mood Disorders ADHD Anxiety ASD Depression & Self Stigma “1 in 5 children under the age of 19 experiences a mental, emotional or behavioral disorder that is severe enough to seriously affect their daily functioning at home, school or within the community.” Children’s Mental Health Ontario 2 2015‐05‐07 Iris works to give children the right foundation in life to be ‘the engaged’ student that we aspire them to be. There is no good physical health without good mental health. (World Health Organization) 3 2015‐05‐07 Society’s Current Story on Mental Health PART I How are you doing? 4 2015‐05‐07 How are you feeling? 5 2015‐05‐07 How we structure our thoughts has an influence on our behavior. 6 2015‐05‐07 Changing the Norm/Changing the Story PART II 7 2015‐05‐07 8 2015‐05‐07 9 2015‐05‐07 Iris uses stories with children to create a change in attitudes towards mental health and to help them navigate their mental health and wellness. 10 2015‐05‐07 The Power of Story PART III Iris Uses the Power of Storytelling 11 2015‐05‐07 The Use of Story Stories are effective educational tools as listeners become engaged with the content and pattern memories, stories can help its listeners learn new knowledge and imagine new possibilities to resolve potential conflicts in their lives. 12 2015‐05‐07 What happens when society’s story is wrong? Or what if your story isn’t reflected in societies discourse? How would that make you feel? Iris Models & Normalizes Behavior 13 2015‐05‐07 Iris Provides Terminology to Increase Children’s Mental Health Literacy Lessons Learned from Iris the Dragon 14 2015‐05‐07 Make Healthy Choices For Yourself 15 2015‐05‐07 Look Inside Yourself & Know Yourself 16 2015‐05‐07 Learn to Self Advocate 17 2015‐05‐07 Feel Ok About Expressing Yourself 18 2015‐05‐07 Surround Yourself With Positive Supporters! 19 2015‐05‐07 Stand Up For Yourself 20 2015‐05‐07 Don’t Ever Feel Trapped - There is Always Hope 21 2015‐05‐07 CHANGE the STORY around mental health and wellness Iris’ Other Tools for Teachers PART IV 22 2015‐05‐07 23 2015‐05‐07 24 2015‐05‐07 25 2015‐05‐07 26 2015‐05‐07 27 2015‐05‐07 What does this have to do with suicide? PART V “70% of adults living with a mental illness indicated that onset occurred before they were 18 years of age, 50% indicated that it started before the age of 14.” 28 2015‐05‐07 “Research shows us that Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Canadians between the ages of 10 and 24. “ (Centre for Suicide Prevention) 29 2015‐05‐07 30 2015‐05‐07 What Educators Can Do….. • Establish a rapport with students to gain trust • Notice the impact of yours and others language • Make conversations about feelings and emotions a priority • Help children develop health coping strategies • Normalize the conversation about mental health and suicide. The Iris Story PART VI 31 2015‐05‐07 Serving children’s mental health since 2000 32 2015‐05‐07 There is no good physical health without good mental health. (World Health Organization) www.iristhedragon.com 33