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Why do I need to watch for suicide?
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Suicide is the third leading cause of
death for those ages 15 to 24 in the U.S.
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For each suicide death, family and
close friends are at higher risk for suicide themselves.
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If you are concerned, don't wait to
talk to your student.
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Knowing the risk factors and warning
signs helps you help your student with concerns about himself or
another student.
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Asking directly about suicide tells
your student it's ok to talk about it with you.
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Take all suicidal thoughts, threats
and behaviors seriously.
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Most suicidal people want to end
severe emotional pain.
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Emotional pain makes it hard to think
clearly, consider options or remember reasons for living.
Risk
factors
Prior suicide attempt
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This is the strongest predictor of
future attempts.
Mental illness
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1 in 5 teens will have depression at
some point.
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Many teens with depression are
undiagnosed.
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Childhood depression often continues
into adulthood, especially if left untreated.
Interpersonal conflict
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Bullying: In-person or cyberbullying.
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Trauma: Examples include injury,
assault, legal trouble, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.
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Relationship breakups: Impulsivity
combined with a personal inability to think through consequences
before acting can increase the risk for suicide following a
breakup.
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Sexting: Tell your students to never
take images they don't want classmates, family or future
employers to see. Forwarding a sexual picture of a minor is a
crime.
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Recent loss: Examples include moving,
changing schools, divorce, or death of a loved one.
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Questioning sexual orientation.
Warning signs
Call 911 if:
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A suicide attempt has been made.
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A weapon is present.
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The person is out of control.
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The person makes a serious threat to
kill himself or herself such as:
"I wish I were dead."
"If ...... doesn't happen, I'll kill myself."
"What's the point of living?"
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Looks for a way to carry out a
suicide plan.
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Talks about death or suicide in text
messages, on social media sites or in poems/music.
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Gives away possessions.
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Hopelessness.
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Rage, anger or seeking revenge.
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Reckless or risky behavior.
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Expressions of feeling trapped, like
there's no way out.
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Alcohol or drug use.
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Withdrawal from family or friends.
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Anxiety, agitation or sleep
irregularity.
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Dramatic mood changes.
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Discussions of no reason for living
or no sense of purpose.
Prevention
What you can do right now:
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Know suicide risk factors and warning
signs.
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Share this website with your student
(www.ruok.help).
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Have a conversation about what your
student should do if he is concerned about himself or a friend.
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Promote skills in problem-solving and
conflict resolution.
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Maintain a supportive and involved
relationship with your student.
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Encourage participation in sports,
activities at school/place of worship or volunteering.
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Help your student develop strong
communication skills. Get medical care for depression and
substance use.
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Don't leave a depressed or suicidal
sibling home alone.
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Most suicides occur in the early
afternoon/evening in the student's home.
Remove these items
or secure in your home:
Prescription and over-the-counter
medications
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Keep medications, including vitamins
with iron, where your kids or their friends cannot access them.
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Don't keep lethal doses of medication
on hand. A pharmacist can advise you on safe quantities.
Alcohol and drugs
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Talk to your students about substance
use as a major risk factor for suicide.
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If your teen has a pattern of
substance use, seek mental health care. Substance use could be
an attempt to self-medicate a mental illness.
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Substance use makes youth more likely
to choose lethal means, such as guns. Remove firearms from your
home.
Poisons
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Lock up potentially harmful common
household products, including household cleaners, products
containing alcohol (such as mouthwash, hand sanitizer, etc.),
and cosmetics (such as nail polish remover, perfume, etc.).
Guns
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Remove firearms from your home. More
than half of all suicide deaths result from a gunshot wound.
Talking to your
kids
How to start a conversation after a
relationship breakup:
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What did you notice about yourself in
the relationship?
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What is positive? What would you like
to change?
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Were there patterns or issues that
brought you into this relationship or caused it to end?
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What are your priorities and
preferences in life?
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Who are you on your own and how do
you want to live your life?
How
to start a conversation about suicide:
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"I have been feeling concerned about
you lately."
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"Lately, I've noticed some
differences in you. How are you doing?"
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"What happened? It might help to talk
about it."
Questions you can ask:
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"When did you begin feeling like
this?"
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"Did something happen that made you
start feeling this way?"
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"How can I support you right now?"
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"Could you tell me more about that?"
What
to say that can help:
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"You are not alone – I'm here for
you."
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"I may not understand exactly how you
feel, but I love you and want to help."
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"I think you feel there is no way
out. Let's talk about some options.”
Credits & Reference:
www.oakgov.com/health/information/Pages/Youth-Suicide-Toolkit.aspx
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