1. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
Region 11 K-12
Student Mental
Health Initiative
Suicide Prevention Ongoing Region 11 Training (SPORT)
NOTES:
THIS PROJECT IS FUNDED THROUGH THE VOTER APPROVED PROPOSITION 63, THE CALIFORNIA MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AUTHORITY (CalMHSA) AND THE CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS EDUCATIONAL SERVICES ASSOCIATION.
THE GOALS OF THE REGION 11 K-12 STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES INCLUDE IDENTIFYING EMERGING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES (IN THIS CASE IT IS SUICIDE PREVENTION), MATCHING THEM WITH EVIDENCED BASED PROGRAMS AND MODEL PRACTICES, AND THEN PROVIDING TRAINING AND EDUCATION.
THERE IS A SUSTAINABILITY PIECE TO THE INITIATIVE AND WE ACHIEVE THIS THROUGH THIS TRAINER OF TRAINERS MODEL AS WELL AS PROVIDING, THROUGH THE CENTER FOR DISTANCE AND ONLINE LEARNING, 21ST CENTURY TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE TRAINING AND EDUCATION.
ESSENTIALLY WE TRAIN YOU TO GO BACK TO YOUR DISTRICTS AND UTILIZE THE MODEL PRACTICES, PROTOCOLS, AND PROCEDURES FOUND IN THE DOCUMENTS THAT ARE EASILY ACCESSIBLE ON OUR YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION PROJECT WEBSITE.
The California County Superintendents Educational Services Association’s Regional K-12 Student Mental Health Initiative is administered by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA), an organization of county governments working to improve mental health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. Prevention and Early Intervention programs implemented by CalMHSA are funded through the voter-approved Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63). Prop 63 provides the funding and framework needed to expand mental health services to previously underserved populations and all of California's diverse communities.
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

2. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
Parent Training Outline
What is depression?
Warning signs and Treatments
Parent role in suicide prevention
Protective factors
Risk factors & warning signs of youth suicide
Intervening with a suicidal child
NOTES:
REVIEW TRAINING OUTLINE.
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

3. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
What is depression?
HANDOUTS: DEPRESSION IN TEENS (ENG/SPAN)
NAMI: CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS AND
DEPRESSION
NOTES:
DEPRESSION IS A FORM OF MOOD DISORDER THAT HAS A WIDE RANGE OF SYMPTOMS.
IT IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM GRIEF AND IT IS MORE THAN JUST FEELING SAD.
STATISTICS OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION ARE ALARMING:
8% OF ADOLESCENTS/2% ELEMENTARY AGED CHILDREN MEET THE CRITERIA FOR DEPRESSION
ONE IN FIVE TEENS HAS HAD A HISTORY OF DEPRESSION
IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY, ONE IN FOUR STUDENTS REPORTED A PROFOUND SENSE OF DEPRESSION OVER THE PAST YEAR.
TWICE AS MANY GIRLS AS BOYS ARE DIAGNOSED
BIPOLAR DEPRESSION IS THE FORM OF DEPRESSION MOST ASSOCIATED WITH SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS
DEPRESSION AFFECTS THE ENTIRE PERSON; HOW A PERSON THINKS, FEELS AND BEHAVES
IT IS NOT A WEAKNESS OR A FLAW AND THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION CAN NOT “JUST SNAP OUT OF IT”.
DEPRESSION MAY BE A PHYSIOLOGICAL PROBLEM RELATED TO BRAIN CHEMICALS, PARTICULARLY SEROTONIN. (WHICH IS WHY MOST ANTI-DEPRESSANTS INVOLVE SEROTONIN RE-UPTAKE OR SSRI’S)
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

4. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
What are the symptoms of depression?
HANDOUTS: DEPRESSION IN TEENS (ENG/SPAN)
NAMI: CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS AND
DEPRESSION
NOTES:
SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION INCLUDE:
PERSISTANT SAD OR IRRITABLE MOOD
WITHDRAWAL FROM FRIENDS AND ACTIVITIES
SADNESS AND HOPELESSNESS
LACK OF ENTHUSIASM, ENERGY OR MOTIVATION (ANHEDONIA)
POOR SELF ESTEEM OR GUILT
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
CHANGES IN EATING OR SLEEPING HABIT
RISKY BEHAVIORS SUCH AS PLAYING WITH GUNS, DRINKING AND DRIVING, CHOKING GAME
SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ACTIONS
SYMPTOMS IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILD:
VAGUE SOMATIC COMPLAINTS (HEADACHE, BODYACHES)
FREQUENT ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL
REGRESSION IN BEHAVIORS (THUMBSUCKING, BEDWETTING)
FOR A DIAGNOSIS OF DEPRESSION, THE SYMPTOMS MUST PERSIST FOR A PERIOD OF TWO WEEKS OR LONGER AND IT MUST IMPACT DAILY FUNCTIONING.
IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT DEPRESSED TEENS RECEIVE PROMPT, PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

5. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
What places a child at risk for depression?
What are treatments?
HANDOUTS: DEPRESSION IN TEENS (ENG/SPAN)
NAMI: CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS AND
DEPRESSION
NOTES:
RISK FACTORS FOR DEPRESSION INCLUDE:
TRAUMATIC EVENTS
LOSS (ROMANCE, DEATH, DIGNITY)
ADHD OR CONDUCT PROBLEMS
FAMILY HISTORY OF DEPRESSION
UNCERTAINTY ABOUT SEXUAL ORIENTATION/IDENTITY
CHILD IN A MILITARY FAMILY
ALSOHOL OR SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROBLEMS
THERE ARE EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS FOR DEPRESSION
IT IS NOT NECESSARILY A LIFE LONG ILLNESS
AND MEDICATIONS MAY BE HELPFUL FOR SHORT PERIODS OF TIME.
TREATMENTS FOR DEPRESSION INCLUDE:
EDUCATION ABOUT DEPRESSION AS AN ILLNESS
COUNSELING
PSYCHOTHERAPY PROVIDES TEENS AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE EVENTS AND FEELINGS AND HELPS TO TEACH HEALTHY COPING SKILLS
THE MOST EFFECTIVE FORM OF TALK THERAPY IS COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
MEDICATIONS
ARE MORE EFFECTIVE WHEN COMBINED WITH THERAPY
BLACK BOX WARNING! ANTI-DEPRESSION MEDICATIONS MAY INCREASE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS IN A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN.
CHILDREN MUST BE MONITORED CLOSELY FOR ANY CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR FOR THE FIRST 6 WEEKS AFTER BEGINNING A COURSE OF MEDICATION
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

6. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
NOTES:
THE THEME OF THE NATIONAL ACTION ALLIANCE FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION
EVERYONE PLAYS A ROLE IN SUICIDE PREVENTION
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

7. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
Youth Suicide in the US: 2010
SUICIDE is 3rd leading cause of death for youth aged 10-24; boys & girls; across all ethnicities
NOTES:
APPROXIMATELY ONE IN TEN SUICIDES THAT OCCUR IN THE U.S, OCCUR IN CALIFORNIA YET CALIFORNIA IS #42 FOR ALL AGES AND #46 FOR YOUTH
APROXIMATELY 5000 YOUTH AGED TAKE THEIR LIVES ANNUALLY.
NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF DEATH FOR YOUTH IS ACCIDENT
FOR HS AGED TEENS, IT IS THE CAR ACCIDENT
FOR EL AGED CHILDREN, IT IS CAR VS. BICYCLE THEN ACCIDENTAL DROWNING
Leading causes:
Accidents
Homicides
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

8. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
Youth Suicide: Just the Facts
In recent years more young people have died from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, congenital birth defects, and diabetes COMBINED.
For every young person who dies by suicide, between attempt suicide.
Males are four times as likely to die by suicide as females - although females attempt suicide three times as often as males.
The #1 environmental risk factor for suicide is the presence of a gun.
In the US & CALIFORNIA the gun was the method most often used among youth however in Los Angeles the method most often used by youth was strangulation.
NOTES:
JUST READ THE FACTS!
THIS IS THE TIME TO STRONGLY STATE THE 4TH POINT. IF THERE IS A GUN IN THE HOUSE, THE RISK FOR SUICIDE INCREASES EXPONENTIALLY.
IF YOUR CHILD IS DEPRESSED, GET THE GUN OUT OF THE HOUSE.
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

9. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
Youth Suicide: Just the Issues
Bullying
Cyber-bullying
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Questioning
Non-Suicidal Self-injury
Social media
NOTES:
THESE ARE SPECIAL ISSUES WITH RESPECT TO YOUTH SUICIDE
BULLYING
OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE “CAUSE” OF A YOUTH SUICIDE (BULLYCIDE)
WHILE BULLYING CAN RESULT IN A PROFOUND LOSS OF DIGNITY FOR A YOUNG PERSON, IT DOES NOT CAUSE SUICIDE
RESEARCH SHOWS VICTIMS OF BULLYING HAVE HIGHER LEVELS OF SUICIDAL IDEATION AND ATTEMPTS AT ALL LEVELS EL/MS/HS
THE HIGHEST RISK INDIVIDUAL IS ONE WHO HAS BEEN BOTH BULLY AND VICTIM
DIFFERENT PROFILES EXIST FOR BOYS AND GIRLS:
GIRLS WERE AT GREATEST RISK WITH ANY FREQUENCY OF BULLY VICTIMIZATION
BOYS WERE AT GREATER RISK WITH ONLY FREQUENT BULLYING
CYBER-BULLYING
24/7 AND ANONYMOUS
VICTIMS WERE TWICE AS LIKELY TO HAVE ATTEMPTED SUICIDE
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

10. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
Youth Suicide: Just the Issues
Bullying
Cyber-bullying
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Questioning
Non-Suicidal Self-injury
Social media
NOTES:
THESE ARE SPECIAL ISSUES WITH RESPECT TO YOUTH SUICIDE
LGBTQ
WHEN LGBT YOUTH GROW UP IN NURTURING, AFFIRMING, SUPPORTIVE HOMES AND SCHOOLS, THEY ARE AT NO GREATER RISK THAN THEIR HETEROSEXUAL PEERS.
HOWEVER, LGBTQ YOUTH WITH HIGHER RATES OF FAMILY AND PEER REJECTIONS HAVE:
8X MORE LIKELY TO HAVE ATTEMPTED SUICIDE
6X MORE LIKELY TO HAVE HIGHER LEVELS OF DEPRESSION
IN ADDITION TO THE HANDOUT, YOU CAN OPEN DISCUSSION TO INCLUDE LGBT HOTLINE NUMBERS SUCH AS TREVOR PROJECT AND LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES SUCH AS LOS ANGELES GAY AND LESBIAN CENTER. YOU COULD ALSO MENTION HS CLUBS SUCH AS GAY STRAIGHT ALLIANCE.
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

11. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
Youth Suicide: Just the Issues
Bullying
Cyber-bullying
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Questioning
Non-Suicidal Self-injury
Social media
NOTES:
NON-SUICIDAL SELF-INJURY
IN ELEMENTARY POPULATIONS: 60% GIRLS/40% BOYS AND THERE IS A WIDER VARIETY OF SELF INJURIOUS BEHAVIORS (PICKING, POKING, HEAD BANGING, HAIR PULLING)
BY MS/HS PREVALENCE CHANGES TO 70% GIRLS AND 75% OF THE TIME THEY CHOOSE CUTTING OR BURNING.
TEND TO PICK PARTS OF THE BODY THAT CAN BE EASILY CONCEALED LIKE THE INSIDE OF THE ARMS, LEGS OR ACROSS THE ABDOMEN.
IN EPISODIC NSSI, A TEEN SEEKS A TEMPORARY RESPITE FROM DISTRESSFUL THOUGHTS
WHEN THE STUDENT IS A REPETITIVE CUTTER (EXHIBITS FRESH WOUNDS AMONG OLD SCARS), THERE IS GREATER THAN A 50% CHANCE THEY HAVE SUFFERED A TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE SUCH AS PHYSICAL OR SEXUAL ABUSE
OTHER RISKY BEHAVIORS INCLUDE THE CHOKING GAME
SOCIAL MEDIA IMPACTS EVERYTHING!
OFTEN OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL’S LITERAL CONTROL
CAN STILL BE UTILIZED AS PART OF SCHOOL’S RESPONSE
PARTNERSHIP WITH KEY STUDENTS
IDENTIFY AND MONITOR RELEVANT SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
SHARE PREVENTION-ORIENTED SAFE MESSAGING
OFFER SUPPORT TO STUDENTS WHO MAY BE STRUGGLING TO COPE
IDENTIFY STUDENTS WHO COULD BE AT RISK
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

12. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
Cultural Considerations: YOUTH
White Males 22.6
Alaskan Native/American Indian 21.0
Black Males 8.7
Asian/Pacific Islander 6.2
Latino* 5.3
NOTES:
HIGHEST RATES AMONG WHITE MALES AND ALASKAN NATIVE/AMERICAN INDIAN
LATINO YOUTH LEAD ALL OTHER ETHNICITIES IN REPORTING OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND SUICIDE ATTEMPTS
AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES; ASIAN AMERICAN BOYS AND GIRLS ALL HAVE SHOWN INCREASES IN RATES
AMONG ADULTS THE MOST RECENT INCREASES HAVE BEEN YEAR OLDS (WHICH IS THE AGE OF MANY PARENTS)
Suicide Rate= # of deaths/100,000
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

13. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
Intervening with
Suicidal Students Guidelines for Parents
NOTES:
NOW WE WILL LOOK AT STAFF ROLE IN PREVENTING SUICIDE
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

14. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
Suicide Prevention:
Guidelines for Parents
Do not be afraid to talk to your child about suicide
Know the risk factors and warning signs of youth suicide
Respond immediately
Turn to the school for help. Contact the school psychologist/counselor/social worker
Seek out community mental health agencies
NOTES:
THIS SECTION IS TO BE INDIVIDUALIZED BY EACH TRAINER TO INCLUDE THE UNIQUE REFERRAL PROCESS, AND THE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AVAILABLE THROUGH THE SCHOOL, DISTRICT, AND COMMUNITY DMH.
PARENTS NEED TO BE REASSURED: DO NOT BE AFRAID TO TALK TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT SUICIDE YOU WILL NOT “PUT IDEAS INTO THEIR HEADS”. ALL THE RESEARCH SHOWS THAT TALKING ABOUT SUICIDE LESSENS A YOUNG PERSON’S ANXIETY.
BEFORE TALKING ABOUT WHAT PLACES A CHILD AT RISK FOR SUICIDE, LETS BEGIN WITH TALKING ABOUT WHAT PROTECTS CHILDREN, WHAT HELPS THEM TO BECOME RESILIENT WHEN LIFE PRESENTS STRESSORS.
HANDOUT: SUICIDE PREVENTION GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS (EL/SECONDARY; ENG/SPAN)
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

15. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
Suicide Prevention in the Schools Protective Factors
Strong individual coping and problem-solving skills
Strong sense of belonging and connection
Interpersonal competence/success
Family warmth, stability, support, and acceptance
Positive connections at school
Spirituality & religious involvement
Access to mental health care & awareness of crisis hotline resources
NOTES:
EXPLAIN TO PARENTS WHAT A PROTECTIVE FACTOR IS. THESE ARE THE FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR CHILD’S RESILIENCE OR ABILITY TO COPE WITH STRESS.
YOU MAY ALSO MENTION AND DISCUSS THE 40 DEVELOPMENTAL ASSETS THAT HAVE BEEN LINKED WITH SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS.
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

16. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
Risk Factors of Youth Suicide
Alcohol/substance abuse
Accessibility of means (i.e. guns, rope)
Internal vulnerabilities
Psychiatric disorders
Depression
Conduct disorder
Previous suicidal behavior
History of loss/trauma/victimization
External vulnerabilities (family/community)
Hopelessness
Impulsivity
High risk group
NOTES:
THERE ARE NO PREDICTORS OF YOUTH SUICIDE ALTHOUGH THE BEST PREDICTOR OF FUTURE BEHAVIOR IS PAST BEHAVIOR SO IF A STUDENT HAS MADE AN ATTEMPT BEFORE THEY ARE AT GREATER RISK OF ATTEMPTING AGAIN.
THERE ARE AS MANY AS SEVEN DIFFERENT FACTORS THAT COME TOGETHER IN A PERFECT STORM
IT IS BEST TO DESCRIBE THESE SEVEN FACTORS AS SEVEN LIGHTS ON A POPULAR BLVD. TO GO FROM THINKING ABOUT SUICIDE TO ATTEMPTING SUICIDE ALL THE LIGHTS HAVE TO TURN GREEN IN A PERFECT STORM.
WHILE WE FIND THE SAME RISK FACTORS PRESENT IN YOUTH AS WE DO IN ADULTS (DEPRESSION, ALCOHOL& SUBSTANCE ABUSE, PREVIOUS BEHAVIORS), IT MAY BE THAT HOPELESSNESS AND IMPULSIVITY MAY PLAY A LARGER ROLE IN SUICIDALITY.
HANDOUT: SUICIDE PREVENTION GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS (EL/SECONDARY; ENG/SPAN)
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

17. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
Risk Factors of Youth Suicide
SITUATIONAL CRISES (Precipitating Events)
Loss (Death, divorce, transience, romance, dignity)
Victimization/exposure to violence
School crisis (disciplinary, academic)
Family crisis (abuse, domestic violence, running away, argument with parents)
Suicide in community
THERE IS OFTEN A SITUATIONAL CRISIS THAT MAY ACT AS A SPARK TO SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS.
IN LOS ANGELES, THE MAJORITY OF YOUTH WHO HAVE DIED BY SUICIDE EXPERIENCED SOME PROFOUND LOSS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO TAKE THEIR LIVES.
THE TOP THREE LOSSES FOR KIDS ARE:
LOSS OF ROMANCE (THE BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND BREAK UP!)
LOSS CAUSED BY DEATH OF A LOVED ONE (IT IS MOST IMPACTFUL WHEN THE DEATH IS BY SUICIDE. A SUICIDE IN THE FAMILY CAN HAVE AN AFFECT ON THE NEXT 7 GENERATIONS)
LOSS OF DIGNITY AS WHEN A CHILD OR TEEN IS BULLIED, CYBERBULLIED OR HUMILIATED IN PUBLIC.
THE TWO MOST ASSOCIATED WITH SCHOOL ARE:
DISCIPLINARY CRISIS
ACADEMIC CRISIS
THE TWO MOST ASSOCIATED WITH THE HOME ARE:
ARGUMENT WITH PARENT
WITNESSING OR BEING THE VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

18. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
Signs of Self-injury
Frequent or unexplained bruises, scars, cuts, or burns.
Consistent, inappropriate use of clothing designed to conceal wounds (often found on the arms, thighs, abdomen)
Secretive behaviors, spending unusual amounts of time in the student bathroom or isolated areas on campus.
General signs of depression, social-emotional isolation and disconnectedness
NOTES:
REVIEW THE SIGNS OF NSSI
HANDOUTS: CORNELL PARENT GUIDE
YOUTH WHO SELF-INJURE (ENG/SPAN)
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

19. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
Signs of Self-injury
Substance abuse
Possession of sharp implements (razor blades, shards of glass, thumb tacks, clips)
Evidence of self-injury in work samples, journals, art projects
Risk taking behaviors such as gun play, sexual acting out, jumping from high places or running into traffic.
NOTES:
REVIEW THE SIGNS OF NSSI
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

20. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
Responding to Students who Self-Injure Tips for Parents: Do
Connect with compassion, calm, and caring.
Understand that this is his/her way of coping with pain.
Refer and offer to go with the student to your school counselor, psychologist, social worker, or nurse.
Discover your child’s strengths
Help to create circle of care at home, school and community by establishing connections with the adults in your child’s life.
NOTES:
REVIEW THE CORNELL PARENT HANDOUT AND THE YSPP “YOUTH WHO SELF INJURE” HANDOUTS (ENG/SPAN)
HANDOUTS: CORNELL PARENT
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

21. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
Responding to Students who Self-Injure Tips for Parents: Don’t
Discourage self-injury, threaten hospitalization, use punishment or negative consequences.
Act shocked, overreact, say or do anything to cause guilt or shame.
Never publicly humiliate your child or talk about their SI in front of family or peers.
Agree to hold SI behavior confidential.
Make deals in an effort to stop SI.
Make promises you can’t keep.
NOTES:
THE IMPORTANT MESSAGE IS NOT TO DISCOURAGE SELF INJURY BY SAYING “JUST STOP DOING THAT”. THAT WILL ALIENATE THE CHILD.
DO NOT SAY:
IF YOU DO THAT AGAIN YOU ARE:
GOING TO THE HOSPITAL
GOING TO YOUR ROOM
YOU WILL NEVER SEE THOSE FRIENDS AGAIN. 21
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

22. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
Warning Signs of Youth Suicide Adolescents
Suicide notes
Threats
Plan/method/access
Depression (helplessness/hopelessness
Risk taking behaviors such as gun play, alcohol/substance abuse)
Giving away prized possessions
NOTES:
SUICIDE NOTES
NOT AS COMMON AS YOU WOULD THINK
MUST NOW LOOK FOR SUICIDAL NOTES ON SOCIAL MEDIA SUCH AS FACEBOOK, MYSPACE, OR TWITTER.
THREATS
CAN BE DIRECT (I WANT TO KILL MYSELF; I COULD JUST DIE) OR INDIRECT (THE WORLD WOULD BE A BETTER PLACE WITHOUT ME; NOBODY WILL MISS ME ANYWAY)
PLAN/METHOD/ACCESS
THE GREATER THE PLANNING, THE GREATER THE RISK
ALWAYS ASK “HOW WOULD YOU KILL YOURSELF” TO ASSESS METHOD AND ACCESS TO MEANS OF HARM (GUN)
DEPRESSION
BIPOLAR DEPRESSION IS THE KIND OF DEPRESSION MOST OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH NSSI AND SUICIDAL IDEATION AND ACTIONS
DEPRESSION IS A RISK FACTOR FOR SUICIDE BUT HOPELESSNESS IS A WARNING SIGN
DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS CAN “LOOK” LIKE DEPRESSION IN ADULTS (SAD, IRRITABLE MOOD; FATIGUE; POOR EATING AND SLEEPING; ISOLATION) OR IT CAN INCLUDE RISK TAKING BEHAVIORS SUCH AS ACTING OUT; GUN PLAY; DRINKING & DRIVING; ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
MAKING FINAL ARRANGEMENTS
GIVING AWAY PRIZED POSSESSIONS SUCH AS ARTICLES OF CLOTHING, JEWELRY
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

23. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
Warning Signs of Youth Suicide Elementary
Efforts to hurt self
Running into traffic
Jumping from heights
Scratching/cutting/marking the body
Death & suicidal themes in writing/drawing
Sudden changes in personality, friends, behaviors
NOTES:
IN ADDITION TO THOSE ALREADY DISCUSSED, THESE WARNING SIGNS CAN BE FOUND IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN:
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 OR JUNGLEGYM, OR THROWING LEG OVER A BALCONY
ENGAGING IN NSSI
DEATH A SUICIDAL THEMES IN WRITING OR DRAWING
SUDDEN CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR OFTEN INDICATES STRESSFUL TIMES OR SOMETHING RECENT HAS OCCURRED.
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

24. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR CHILD:
Turn to the school for
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

25. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
NOTES:
THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION PROJECT WEBSITE
HOME TO ALL THE MODEL PRACTICES, RESOURCES AND MATERIALS OF THE K-12 STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE
HANDOUTS: I WILL THRIVE
(ENG/SPAN)
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

26. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
YOUTH SUICIDE: RESOURCES
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
American Association of Suicidology
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
National Association of School Psychologists
Centers for Disease Control
NOTES:
WEBSITES
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative

27. Suicide Prevention for PARENTS
QUESTIONS???
Contact us:
Region 11 K12 Student Mental Health Initiative