Extreme Level Mental Health Distress: Suicide
The warning signs of suicide are not always obvious. It is hoped that the following information does not cause alarm. The intention is to provide members of the school community, including staff and parents, with helpful guidance on this area.
What is suicide?
A self-destructive act deliberately carried out where there is a clear expectation of death.
Identifying suicidal behaviour
Common warning signs for suicide include:
Making suicidal statements
Being preoccupied with death in conversation, writing or drawing
Giving away belongings
Withdrawing from friends and family
Having aggressive or hostile behaviour
Neglecting personal appearance
Running away from home
Risk-taking behaviours / carefree behaviour
A change in personality
Depression
Signs of self harm
Signs of depression
Feeling sad, empty or tearful nearly everyday
Loss of interest in activities that were enjoyed in the past
Changes in eating and sleeping habits
Difficulty thinking and concentrating
Complaints of continued boredom
Complaints of headaches, stomach-aches or fatigue with no actual physical problems
Expressions of guilt and/or not allowing anyone to give him or her praise or rewards
Alcohol or substance abuse
* Individuals with a history of suicide attempts should be given extra attention if shown any signs of depression for more than 4 weeks
Factors that may increase the risk of suicide include having:
A family member who has died through suicide
A family history of depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
A history of physical or sexual abuse
Being bullied
Diagnosis of a serious medical illness
A divorce / failing relationship
A recent life change, such as a death in the family, marriage, divorce, birth of a child, a job promotion or demotion, or legal problem
Support system
Parents
What Can You Do If You Are Concerned About Your Child?
Remain calm.
Focus on your concern for their well-being and avoid being accusatory.
Reassure them that there is help and they will not feel like this forever.
Do not judge.
Provide constant supervision. Do not leave the child alone.
Remove means for self-harm.
Contact a health professional immediately. Or contact the school and we will follow up immediately with recommendations for high-quality professionals.
Research the websites at the bottom of this document for further information.
Classroom
Encouragement on positive friendship (core value)
Given positive attitudes, coping strategies and healthy options
Talking about activities that could make students happy
Social skills used during group discussions
Community
Training for teachers and students on identifying suicidal warning signs
Anti bullying campaign
Peer support such as prefect, student council and ambassadors
Communication with parents and guardians
Encouragement for help seeking behaviour
CCA activities
Celebrations: e.g. Class celebration of birthdays, new students joining and old students, leaving achievements etc
Counsellor
Counselling service / Follow up counselling
Referral service to professionals
Guidance of positive behaviour, coping skills and stress management
Guidance on life skills
Advice when talking about suicide
Do not be dismissive and say such things as:
Suicide is selfish
There are other people who have it worse than you
I get sad too sometimes
Suicide is an easy way out
Oh, don’t say that rubbish/rubbish like that
Are you doing this for attention?
Tomorrow is a new day
You have no reason to feel like this
Think of how your family would feel
Push through it
I don’t want to talk about this
But your life is so good
Don’t be silly
You are not praying enough
Have you taken your medication?
You need to relax
It is all in your head
Say instead:
Sorry to hear it but you matter a lot to me
Is there anything I can do?
I am sorry you feel trapped, how can I help?
I am here for you. You are not alone
I do care and love you, if you need someone I am here
You are strong and we could go through this together and beat it
You are loved by so many people
I am glad you brought this to my attention. I will do what I can to get you the help you need
I wanted to hear, I am here for you
Additional resources and links:
https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/suicide-prevention/
http://www.suicide.org/hotlines/international/malaysia-suicide-hotlines.html
https://www.sfsuicide.org/prevention-strategies/for-young-people/for-parents-and-teachers/