S. O. S. SIGNS OF SUICIDE ROCKDALE CAREER ACADEMY

FACTS ON SUICIDE Teenage suicide is preventable. When a person is depressed, they are NOT thinking, feeling, or acting the way they normally do. We must get them help, to get them back on track. We must learn what the warning signs are and who is at higher risk. Among young people aged 15-24, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death, behind accidents and homicide. The number has tripled in recent years. Every day in the U.S., approximately 14 young people between the ages of die at their own hands. That's one suicide every 1 hour and 40 minutes.

MYTHS OF SUICIDE TRUE OR FALSE? Teenagers who talk about attempting suicide are doing it for attention. True, and they NEED the attention. There is something going on that's causing them to feel this way. They need people to listen, and professionals to help them.

MYTH 2 All teenagers who are suicidal are depressed. This statement is true, but the reverse is not true, most people will experience times in their lives when they are depressed, but have no suicidal ideation.

MYTH 3 Suicidal people really want to die, so there's no way to stop them. False. They are depressed and need help. With help, they can feel better and find other solutions.

MYTH 4 Talking about suicide will cause a student to attempt suicide. False. It's just the opposite: not talking about it could escalate the problem. Even thinking about it makes the suicidal person feel worse. Talking will help bring understanding. Talking about it can relieve suicidal students and get them the help that's needed. Discussing the subject openly shows that you take the person seriously and that you care.

MYTH 5 If a person really wants to kill himself or herself, no one has the right to stop him or her. False. We would help a person who was physically sick or injured; we need to help a person who is mentally ill.

MYTH 6 Once a person is suicidal, they're suicidal forever. False. Teens who are suicidal can go on to lead useful lives, once they get help. Usually the suicidal feelings are for a limited period of time.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DANGER SIGNS?  Change in eating and sleeping habits  Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activity  Violent actions, rebellious behavior  Drug and alcohol use  Unusual neglect in personal appearance  Marked personality change  Decline in school performance  Fixation on death or violence  Self mutilation  Making statements such as: “life isn’t worthwhile; I won’t be a problem much longer; teachers, family, friends don’t care; I wish I were dead; who cares if I am dead,” or “what’s the point of living?”

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP DO: Ask if he/she is considering suicide and voice your concern. Research has shown that asking someone if he or she has thought about suicide will not increase that person’s risk. Be honest, willing to listen and non-judgemental. Let the person know you care and understand, and that he or she is not alone. Find out if he/she has a specific plan to commit suicide. If they have a plan, do they have the means to carry it out? If so, take action and remove the means. Tell a trusted adult!!!

DON’T: PROMISE CONFIDENTIALITY WHEN IT COMES TO ISSUES REGARDING SAFETY. THERE ARE MANY RESOURCES FOR HELP WHEN POTENTIAL SUICIDE IS IDENTIFIED. PRETEND TO HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO MAY BE TO ASSIST IN FINDING PROFESSIONAL HELP. LEAVE THE PERSON ALONE OR DARE THEM TO DO IT.

Teenagers are simply overwhelmed by the uncertainties of adolescence and feel they have nowhere to turn. Teenagers who consider suicide feel alone, hopeless, and rejected. When a teen commits suicide everyone is affected. Family, friends, teammates, neighbors, and even those who didn’t know the person well may experience feelings of grief, confusion, and guilt. Our youth today need a strong, healthy self-esteem built by family, mentors, social support, and a spiritual life. This will develop and foster coping skills to help with teen pressures.

Did you Know: Suicide is preventable 70% of all people who commit suicide give some warning to a friend or family member. Suicide is the 3 rd leading cause of death for teens and young adult. Almost 17% of high school students have seriously considered suicide. The fastest growing age group for suicide is ten to 14 year olds. If you have a gun in your home you are five times more likely to have a suicide in your house than homes without a gun. A young person commits suicide approximately every 2 hours.

WHAT TO DO?  Remain calm.  Ask the youth directly if he or she is thinking about suicide.  Focus on your concern for their wellbeing and avoid being accusatory.  Listen.  Reassure them that there is help and they will not feel like this forever.  Do not judge.  Provide constant supervision. Do not leave the youth alone.  Remove means for self-harm.  Tell an adult.

MOST IMPORTANT Get help! Peers should not agree to keep the suicidal thoughts a secret and instead should tell an adult, such as a parent, teacher, or school psychologist. Parents should seek help from school or community mental health resources as soon as possible. School staff should take the student to the designated school mental health professional or administrator

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