Suicide Awareness

Suicide Awareness

NORTHAMPTON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Warning Signs of Suicide

Adolescents often show signs of trouble or suicide.  Never ignore these signs.  Suicide can be prevented with proper intervention.  

Warning signs may include:

• Suicide notes and/or talking about suicide

• Acting out, acts of aggression, and/or violent behavior

• Depression or severe mood changes

• Alcohol or substance abuse

• Efforts to hurt oneself such as cutting, marking/scratching the body, dangerous acts, risky behavior

• Inability to concentrate or think rationally

• Changes in physical habits and appearance

• Sudden or dramatic changes in personality, friends, behaviors

• Death and/or suicidal themes in drawings, journals, writings

• Increased focus on guns, weapons, and/or drugs and medication

• Fascination with death and dying

• Giving away prized possessions or making out a will

• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

• Poor self esteem or guilt

• Not wanting to participate in family or social activities

• Changes in sleeping or eating patterns

• Feeling of anger, rage, or need for revenge

• Feeling exhausted most of the time

• Trouble with concentration

• Regular and frequent crying

• Frequent physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches

• Reckless, impulsive behaviors

Possible triggers:

• Getting into trouble with authorities

• Break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend

• Death of a significant loved one

• Knowing someone who died by suicide

• Bullying/ harassment

• Family conflict or dysfunction

• Academic troubles or failure

• Disappointment or rejection

• Abuse

• Exposure to trauma

• Serious illness or injury

• Anniversary of the death of a loved one

• Forced or extended separation from friends or family

Tips for Parents:

• Know the warning signs

• Do not be afraid to talk with your child – Evidence indicates that with your child lowers the risk of suicide.  The message is, “Suicide is not an option; help is available.”

• Suicide-proof your home – Make sure knives, pills, and firearms are inaccessible.

• Utilize school and community resources – Contact the school guidance office for a list of school and community resources

• Take immediate action if your child shows warning signs of suicide

• Listen to your child and/or your child’s friends

• Do not prejudge

Tips for Teachers:

• Know the warning signs

• Know the school’s responsibilities

• Let students know that you or someone else in the school is there to help them and that school personnel care

• Refer students immediately to counselor, principal, or designee when they show any suicide warning signs

• Join the crisis, SAP, or at-risk team

• Advocate for students at-risk

Resources:

What happens if you call 988?

The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress. By calling or texting 988, you'll connect to mental health professionals with the Lifeline network.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Texting  “START” to 741741 www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Safe2Say Something - https://www.saysomething.net/ - 1-844-5-SAYNOW

American Association of Suicidology – 1-303-692-0285

www.suicidology.org

National Association of School Psychologists – 1 301-657-0270

www.nasponline.org

Suicide Awareness/ Voice of Education (SAVE)

www.save.org

For more information, please contact your child’s school guidance office.