youth suicide-prevention-for-educators-
TRANSCRIPT
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)