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.befrienders.org.my/

• https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/suicide-prevention/

• https://www.suicideispreventable.org/

• https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/mental-health-resources/preventing-youth-suicide/preventing-youth-suicide-tips-for-parents-and-educators

• http://www.suicide.org/hotlines/international/malaysia-suicide-hotlines.html

• https://ed100.org/blog/suicide-prevention

• https://www.sfsuicide.org/prevention-strategies/for-young-people/for-parents-and-teachers/