Suicide Prevention
If you or someone you know is actively suicidal call
Dial 911- For Life Threatening Emergencies
Dial 988 - Suicide & Crises Hotline
FAST FACTS:
In 2021, suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10-14 and 25-34 , the third leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 15-24 (Center of Disease Control and Prevention)
Teen suicide rate increased by 25 percent nationwide from 2016 to 2019 and that California was one of seven states with the most significant increases in teen suicide rates during that same period (Auditor of State of California)
Nearly 20 percent of High School Students reported serious thoughts about suicide and 9% reported a suicide attempt (National Alliance of Mental Illness)
From 2009 through 2018, the annual number of reported youth self‑harm incidents that led to emergency department visits or hospital stays increased from almost 10,900 to more than 16,300, an increase of 50 percent (Auditor of State of California)
Elementary School Warning Signs:
Withdrawal, crying spells, becoming less verbal, lack of interest in familiar activities
Efforts to hurt self
Threats to run impulsively into traffic or danger
Jumping from high places or threats to jump, such as getting up in a tree, climbing on a fence
Writing or drawing suicidal themes
Sudden changes in behavior often indicates stressful times or that something impactful has recently occurred
Adolescents : Warning Signs
Suicide notes -May write a note on Gaggle or social media (ex. Facebook, Instagram)
Threats- Can be direct (ex. I want to kill myself; I could just die) or indirect (“The world/family would be a better place without me”)
Plan/Means/Intent/Access -The greater the detail in the plan, the greater the risk
Depression- Depression is a risk factor for suicide, but also hopelessness, helplessness, no sense of belonging and feeling like a burden to others
Reckless Behavior- can also be more subtle such as not eating, purposely crossing the street without looking, disregarding safety precautions (“whatever happens happens” thinking)
Atypical Behavior- sudden grade drops, mood changes, change in attendance
SAUSD Board Policy:
“Suicide Prevention Training and Education to be provided to all school staff members who interact with students. Training shall be designed to help staff members identify and respond to students at-risk of suicide. This includes staff development on risk factors, warning signs, protective factors, response procedures with emphasis on immediately (same day) referring a student, referrals, and school and community resources regarding suicide prevention and mental health.”