Youth Suicide Prevention for Educators

Office of School Counseling

2010

Why do I need to know?

• Youth suicide is the 2nd (or 3rd depending on the research) leading case of death among 15-19 year olds.

• There is one suicide every 90 minutes in the United States.

• About 4,000-5,000 young people commit suicide each year in the United States.

• For every child that commits suicide another 100 attempt suicide.

Approximately 7.5% Maryland

high school students attempted suicide

in the previous 12 months.

2007 Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Survey

Youth who were hospitalized and survived:

Youngest – age 5 Majority – white Over 70% - female

Hospital Discharge DataMaryland Health Services

Cost Review Commission

It is estimated that 4 of 5 suicide victims demonstrated identifiable warning signs before completing suicide.

We need to be knowledgeableabout warning signs and potential triggers.

What do I need to know?

• Warning Signs

– Threats

– Drawing or writings related to the student’s own death

– High risk behaviors

– Dramatic changes in behavior

– Previous suicide attempts

– Giving away prized possessions

Behaviors

• Changes in behaviors

– Changes in friends

– Changes in attitude

– Change in motivation

– Depression

– Depression that changes to happiness suddenly

– Anger

Issues that may affect suicide• Bullying

• Multiple losses

• Feeling that they might have “let someone down”

• Rejection (perceived or real)

• Suicide of close friend or relative

• Public embarrassment

What do I look for?

• A pattern of hopelessness

• A change in attitude

• Disproportionate anger

• Warning signs

What should I do?

• Take threats seriously.

• Act when you suspect that something may be wrong.

• Contact the school counselor, school psychologist, school administrator or school nurse.

• Consult when you aren’t sure

What will happen?

• The mental health professionals will talk with the student.

• The mental health professional will contact the family with the concerns

• Suicide threats, even third party reports MUST, by law, be reported to parents.

Important phone numbers

• Maryland Youth Crisis Hot Line– 1-800-422-0009

• National Suicide Lifeline1-800-273-TALK (8255)