Ontario School District recognizes that suicide is a leading cause of death among youth and taking preventative steps is essential in helping students. This page is a resource for parents, students, and teachers. If you are in despair, please reach out by calling the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Many people have found that talking helps alleviate painful suicidal thoughts and feelings.
The Ontario School District has school counselors, social workers and school psychologists available to support students mental and behavioral health. School mental health professionals have been trained to assess suicidal ideation, intent and planning and to respond appropriately to the level of threat identified. It is the top priority of our school-based mental health professionals to ensure the safety of the students in our school district. Staff are required to follow the school districts Suicide Prevention Protocol.
Please use our staff as resources, in addition to the information provided on this website. Information is available regarding warning signs and risk factors of youth suicide, as well as how to respond if you find out your child has suicidal thoughts or attempts, and additional resources.
What leads to suicide?
There’s no single cause for suicide. Suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, and it is often undiagnosed or untreated. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance problems, especially when unaddressed, increase risk for suicide. Yet it’s important to note that most people who actively manage their mental health conditions go on to engage in life.
Risk factors
Risk factors are characteristics or conditions that increase the chance that a person may try to take their life. These factors can include health (depression, conduct disorder, anxiety- trauma, serious physical health conditions), environmental (access to lethal means, stressful events, relationship problems), historical (previous suicide attempts, generational trauma).
Protective factors
Protective factors include access to mental and medical health care, feeling connected to family and friends, a strong connection to community resources, problem solving skills, strong sense of purpose or self-esteem.
Warning signs
Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be at risk of suicide is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. The concern heightens if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.
Talk
If a person talks about:
§ Killing themselves
§ Feeling hopeless
§ Having no reason to live
§ Being a burden to others
§ Feeling trapped
§ Unbearable pain
Behavior
Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change:
§ Increased use of alcohol or drugs
§ Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
§ Withdrawing from activities
§ Isolating from family and friends
§ Sleeping too much or too little
§ Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
§ Giving away prized possessions
§ Aggression
§ Fatigue
Mood
People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:
§ Depression
§ Anxiety
§ Loss of interest
§ Irritability
§ Humiliation/Shame
§ Agitation/Anger
§ Relief/Sudden Improvement
If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible
Call or text 988
Chat at 988lifeline.org
Learn more about suicide prevention.