Signs a young person may be suicidal:

• Threatening to hurt or kill themselves

• Seeking access to pills, weapons, or other means to kill themselves

• Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide (including schoolwork and artwork)

• Expressing hopelessness, no reason for living, or having no sense of purpose

• Having rage, anger, or seeking revenge

• Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking

• Feeling trapped

• Increasing alcohol or drug use

• Withdrawing from friends, family, or society

• Having a dramatic change in mood (may even be a shift from being sad and depressed to happy, with a sense of resolve; often with no clear indication of how or why the shift in mood occurred)

• Sleeping all the time or being unable to sleep

• Giving away prized possession(s) 

What to do if you see these signs:

• Remain calm—the student is talking to you because they want your help

• Talk to the student—express concern and that you are willing to help. 

• Be direct—Ask “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” or “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”

• Listen with empathy and without judgement. Observe their total response, including tone and body language.

• Remember to consider and respect the student’s culture—such as eye contact, physical space, and language as well as the role and relationship you have with the student.

• Clearly state that thoughts of suicide are common and that help is available to discuss these thoughts

• Tell the student that thoughts of suicide do not have to be acted on. 

• Encourage the student to do most of the talking, if they are able to. 

EGUSD Incident Reporting System