Daily Herald Article: Young Lives Lost
http://www.heraldextra.com/app/young-lives-lost/
Dear Teachers/Parents,
In an effort to avoid any student tragedies this school year, please read the below info on youth suicide. Suicide can happen to good students and good families. It is important for all families to know of the risk and warning signs of youth suicide. The best thing to do to help a student who is at risk is to provide a non-judgmental support for them to lean on. If you suspect your student of considering suicide, please help them by asking this simple question: “Are you considering killing yourself?” This question may be a tough or uncomfortable one, but it could be the intervention that opens up dialogue with your child and saving a life. Teachers who reasonably suspect a student suicide threat should immediately contact Administration as a prevention and/or response.
How Can I Help Someone Who is Considering Suicide?
Decrease Pain: Listen to them, validate their feelings. Knowing someone is there to listen to them makes a difference.
Increase Hope: Give them reasons to live (goals, dreams, family). Give them examples of others in similar situations who have struggled and overcome.
Improve Connections: Introduce them to resources (school counselor or trusted adult), Give them contacts of who to talk to (Suicide Helpline 1-800-273-8255, Vantage Point with Wasatch Mental Health (801) 373-2215 ), Follow up with them and ensure they know you care and are getting help.
Reduce Threat: Remove access to means of suicide by making guns and drugs or other preferred means inaccessible.
Youth Suicide Statistics for Utah Youth ages 15-19 in 2011 (www.cdc.gov)
· 2nd leading cause of death
· 19 Utah students died in 2011, 43 Utah students died in 2012
· 27 percent of students feel sad or hopeless for an extended period of time
· 14 percent of students seriously considered suicide
· 12 percent of students made a suicide plan
· 7 percent of students attempted suicide
· Suicide begins to peak at age 14
Warning Signs of Suicide
· Changes in personality or dress
· Sad, defiant, hates everything
· Refers to feelings of hopelessness and no personal worth
· Talks about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
· Sleeps too much or too little
· Withdraws from others
· Extreme mood swings
· Discipline and/or grade problems
· Trouble with the law
· Substance abuse
· Prior suicide or suicidal behavior
· Giving away prized possessions
· Suicide note, threat or plans
· Writing or drawing dark or sad things, preoccupied with death
If You're Concerned About Someone:
Talk in private. Listen to their story, and let them know you care. Ask directly about suicide, calmly and without judgement. Show understanding and take their concerns seriously. Let them know their life matters to you. That one conversation could save a life. Avoid debating the value of life. Avoid advice to fix it. Avoid minimizing the person's feelings. (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 2015).
National Suicide Prevention Hotline (crisis management from mental health professionals and info for local resources)
1-800-273-8255
National Hopeline Network
1-800-SUICIDE
Utah State Prevention Specialist: Cathy Davis
801-538-7828
cathy.davis@schools.utah.gov