Warning Signs Recognition Cards

Below are 16 cards. Cut them out and distribute to students for the sorting activity. 8 cards list real warning signs of suicide; 8 are distractors (not warning signs).

Warning Signs Cards (Real)

1. Talking or writing about wanting to die or to kill themselves
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Expressing feelings of hopelessness or being trapped
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Giving away prized possessions or saying goodbye as if it’s the last time
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Displaying drastic mood swings (very sad one moment, calm the next)
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Increased use of alcohol or drugs to cope
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. Talking about feeling trapped or being a burden to others
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. Showing intense anger or talking about seeking revenge without a clear reason
   
   
   
   
   
   

Not Warning Signs Cards (Distractors)
9. Feeling tired after staying up late to finish homework






10. Getting upset about a bad grade on a test






11. Arguing with a sibling or friend occasionally






12. Being shy or quiet in class when meeting new people






13. Forgetting to do homework sometimes






14. Feeling nervous before a big test or presentation






15. Preferring to play video games instead of going outside






16. Getting a stomach ache before school sometimes

Cut along the lines and shuffle before distributing. Students will sort into “Warning Signs” vs. “Not Warning Signs.”

Self-Help Strategies Handout

Below are 10 simple strategies you can try when you’re feeling upset, stressed, or low.

Instructions:

1. Read through all the ideas below.
2. Circle two strategies you would be willing to try on your own.
3. In your small group, share one personal choice and one way you could support a friend using these ideas.

1. Take slow, deep breaths and count to 5 on each inhale and exhale
2. Go for a short walk outside or around the classroom
3. Listen to a favorite song or calming music
4. Draw, color, or doodle whatever comes to mind
5. Write your thoughts or feelings in a journal
6. Talk with a friend, family member, or trusted adult
7. Do a quick stretch, simple yoga pose, or gentle exercise
8. Read a few pages of a book you enjoy
9. Practice a hobby (e.g., crafting, building with blocks, playing an instrument)
10. Say encouraging things to yourself (e.g., “I can handle this,” “I am not alone”)

Reflection

1. Which two strategies did you circle? Why did you choose these?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Which one of these strategies might you suggest to a friend who seems down? How would you encourage them to try it?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Think of a recent time when you felt low or upset. Which of these strategies could you have used? Describe how it might have helped you.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Peer Support Role-Play Prompts

Use the four scenarios below in pairs. One student practices reaching out, and the other responds. Then switch roles. Use the sample dialogue prompts to guide your conversation.

Scenario 1: Quiet and Withdrawn

Your friend has stopped joining group activities and seems quiet at lunch.

Prompts:

• “I’ve noticed you’ve been quiet lately. How have you been feeling?”
  
  
• “I’m worried because it seems like you’re not enjoying things you used to. Can you tell me more?”
  
  
• “I care about you and want to help. What can I do to support you right now?”
  
  

Reflection after role-play:

Scenario 2: Expressions of Hopelessness

Your classmate says, “Nothing ever goes right for me. I feel like I’ll never be happy.”

Prompts:

• “I’m sorry you’re feeling that way. What makes you feel like things can’t get better?”
  
  
• “You’re not alone—sometimes I feel upset too. What helps you feel even a little bit better?”
  
  
• “I care about you and want to find a way forward together. Who else might you talk to?”
  
  

Reflection after role-play:

Scenario 3: Talking About Goodbye

Your friend jokingly says, “Maybe I should just disappear. You wouldn’t even notice.”

Prompts:

• “When you say that, it worries me. What makes you think no one would notice?”
  
  
• “I’m here to listen if you want to talk more. What’s on your mind?”
  
  
• “It sounds like you’re in pain. Would talking with a trusted adult or counselor help?”
  
  

Reflection after role-play:

Scenario 4: Giving Away Prized Possessions

Your friend starts giving you their favorite items and says, “You can have this forever.”

Prompts:

• “This is important to you. I’m concerned—what’s making you give these away?”
  
  
• “I care about you a lot. How are you feeling right now?”
  
  
• “It sounds serious. Can we go talk to a trusted adult together?”
  
  

Reflection after role-play:

Tips for a Supportive Conversation

• Use “I” statements: “I feel worried when…”
• Ask open questions: “Can you tell me more about…?”
• Listen without judging and give your full attention.
• If you feel it’s serious, remind your friend you’ll help them talk with an adult.

After practicing all scenarios, discuss with your group:

1. What felt most supportive?
2. What was challenging?
3. How can you apply these prompts in real life?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Feeling Thermometer Chart

Use this chart to help label how “hot” or “cool” your feelings are. Cooler feelings (0–3) often mean sad or numb. Warmer feelings (7–10) often mean stressed or overwhelmed. When you check in today, place a circle around the number that best matches how you feel right now.

How to use:

• Look at the descriptors and choose the number that fits your feelings.

• Circle or mark that number on your chart.

• If you feel 0–3, try a self-help strategy from the Self-Help Strategies Handout.

• If you feel 7–10, consider reaching out to a friend or trusted adult.