Suicide
Awareness &
Prevention
Suicide is a permanent solution to
a temporary problem.
Fact or Fiction?
• There are far more homicides than
suicides.
FACT: There are twice as many suicides as
homicides in the United States. Suicide is
the third leading cause of death among
adolescents and young adults.
Fact or Fiction?
• Talking about suicide may give
someone the idea to commit suicide.
FACT: Discussing the subject without shock
or disapproval with a person who seems
suicidal shows that you care about them
and are taking their pain seriously.
Fact or Fiction?
• Suicide happens without warning and
often cannot be prevented.
FACT: There are usually multiple warning
signs.
Fact or Fiction?
• People who talk about suicide often
simply want attention and don’t
actually intend to kill themselves.
FACT: Eight out of 10 people who commit
suicide give definite warnings.
Fact or Fiction?
• Suicidal people are fully intent on
dying.
FACT: Most suicidal people are undecided
and often “gamble with death” by leaving it
up to others to save them. While suicide
is a voluntary action, most suicidal people
simple want to escape their pain rather
than actually die.
Fact or Fiction?
• Children do not commit suicide.
FACT: Childhood suicide is estimated to be
the sixth leading cause of death in 5 to 14
year olds.
Just the facts, ‘mam
• The rate of youth suicide has tripled since
the 1950’s.
• 20% of children experience mental health
concerns during their school years.
• A majority of dropouts have mental health
concerns.
• Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death
for youth.
Just the facts, ‘mam
• Someone commits suicide every 16.2
minutes in the United States.
• Every suicide intimately and profoundly
affects, on average, 6 other people.
• Females are 3x more likely to attempt
suicide.
• Males are 4x more likely to succeed.
Warning Signs
• Preparing for death by writing a will, giving
away prized possessions, forming a
suicide plan.
• Preoccupation or obsession with death.
• Writings or drawings about death.
• Talks about suicide.
• Threats or previous attempts.
• Escapes through substance abuse.
Warning Signs
• Having signs of psychosis (hallucinations,
bizarre thoughts and behavior).
• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness,
helplessness.
• Changes in normal behavior. Examples:
sleep, grades, friends, favorite activities.
• Becoming suddenly cheerful after a long
bout of depression.
Factors Relating to Suicide
• Depression is the leading cause of suicide.
(Missouri Department of Mental Health, 2006)
• Long standing problems can lead to suicide if
triggered by a specific event . .
- Loss of relationship
- Death of close friend or family
- Humiliation
- Major move or relocation
- Divorce
What do I do if I recognize
someone who I think is suicidal?
• Question them. Ask them questions like “How
are you?”, “Can I help?” “Are you thinking
about hurting yourself?”
• Persuade them. Validate their feelings. “I see
that you are in pain.” “I’ve been noticing how
down you have been.” “I want to help.” “Who do
you want to talk to?”
• Refer them to someone who can help. Do not
wait. Talk to someone immediately.
A mad friend is always better than
a dead friend.
As an educator, what should I do
if . . . .
• Document the observed behavior.
• Talk to that person. If person confirms
suicidal thoughts, do not leave that person
alone.
• Do not promise confidentiality. Determine
if the person has accessible means and if
so, request that he or she relinquish those
means. Contract with the person that they
will not hurt themselves.
As an educator, what should I do
if . . . .
• Do not allow that person to leave school.
• Report the observation to the school
guidance counselor or health nurse.
Notify the building administrator.
• If all the above are unavailable, report
directly to one of the superintendents at
Central Office.
• Inform person of actions taken.
As an educator, what should I do
if . . . .
• If outside the regular school day, contact a
parent, guardian or adult family member.
Again, do not leave the person alone.
• If all of the above are unavailable, report
the observation to the local police
department or a suicide crisis hotline such
as Burrell Behavioral Health Crisis Hotline
1-800- 395-2132.
As an educator, what should I do
if . . . .
• Maintain contact with student and family
during crisis.
• Following with that person when he or she
returns to school
Remember . . .
You might be the only reason
someone decides to come back
tomorrow.