Suicide Prevention
1. Youth suicide is a serious problem. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among school age youth. In 2013, 17% of our nation's high school students seriously considered suicide and 8% made an attempt.
2. Suicide is preventable. Youth who are contemplating suicide typically give warning signs of their distress. Most important is to never take these warning signs lightly or promise to keep them secret.
3. Suicide Risk Factors. Certain characteristics are associated with increased suicide risk include:
Previous suicide attempt(s)
Isolation and aloneness
Non-suicidal self-injury (e.g., cutting)
Mental illness including depression, conduct disorders, and substance abuse
Family stress/dysfunction
Family history of suicide
Environmental risks, including presence of a firearm in the home
Situational crises (e.g., the presence of a gun in the home, bullying and harassment, serious disciplinary action, death of a loved one, physical or sexual abuse, breakup of a relationship/friendship, family violence, suicide of a peer)
4. Suicide Warning Signs. Most suicidal youth demonstrate observable behaviors signalling suicidal thinking:
Suicidal threats in the form of direct (e.g., "I am going to kill myself") and indirect (e.g., "I wish I could fall asleep and never wake up again") statements
Suicide notes and plans (including online postings)
Making final arrangements (e.g., giving away prized possessions)
Preoccupation with death
Changes in behavior, appearance, thoughts, and/or feelings.
5. There are protective factors that can lessen the effects of risk factors. These can include family and peer support, school and community connectedness, healthy problem-solving skills, and easy access to effective medical and mental health services.
6. Schools have an important role in preventing youth suicide. Children and youth spend the majority of their day in school where caring and trained adults are available to help them. Schools need trained mental health staff and clear procedures for identifying and intervening with students at risk for suicidal behavior.
7. The entire school staff should work to create an environment where students feel safe. School mental health and crisis team members are responsible for conducting suicide risk assessment, warn/inform parents, provide recommendations and referrals to community services, and often provide follow up counseling and support at school.
8. Collaboration between schools and community providers is critical. Establishing partnerships with local community mental health agencies helps connect students to needed services in a timely manner and helps smooth re-entry to school.
9. Never ignore or keep information a secret. Peers should not agree to keep the suicidal thoughts of a friend a secret and instead should tell an adult, such as a parent, teacher, or school psychologist. Parents should seek help from school or community mental health resources as soon as possible. School staff should take the student to the designated school mental health professional or administrator.
10. Get immediate help if a suicide threat seems serious. Call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Suggested Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
© 2015, National Association of School Psychologists, 4340 East West Highway, Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814; (301) 657-0270, Fax (301) 657-0275; www.nasponline.org
Resources for teachers and parents:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
988 or 1-800-273-8255
Teen Line – Teens Helping Teens
Text TEEN to 839863
Kentucky Suicide Prevention - The Kentucky Suicide Prevention Group is made up of people who have been affected by suicide, either personally or professionally.
Suicide prevention, awareness and support
Talking to your kids about suicide
How to Help a Suicidal Person/Yourself
http://www.suicide.org/how-to-help-a-suicidal-person.html
http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/
LOCAL HELP
Astra (Hardinsburg) 270-580-7253
Communicare (Crisis Line) - 1-800-641-4673
Lincoln Trail Behavioral Health (Radcliff) - 270-351-9444
River Valley Behavioral Health (Owensboro) - (800) 433-7291 or 270-689-6500
Rivendell (Bowling Green) - 270-843–1199