Welcome Back to School, students and families!
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Our SAP Counselors would like to raise awareness on this topic and provide resources to students, staff, and families in the community.
Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it can be preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives.
(NIMH 2023)
Facts
Understanding the issues concerning suicide is a crucial way to take part in suicide prevention and helping others in crisis.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth between 10 and 24 years of age, accounting for 7,126 deaths. Suicide rates for this age group increased 52.2% between 2000-2021.
- Young people who identify as LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Allied) have higher prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behavior compared to their peers who identify as heterosexual.
- Suicide attempts were reported most frequently among girls compared to boys.
- 18% of high school students report having seriously considered committing suicide.
(CDC 2023)
Protective Factors
- The presence of an important person in the youth's life: As long as there is an emotionally significant person in the youth's life to whom the youth can relate, this will decrease the likelihood of suicide.
- Good coping skills: The more resourceful and skilled in problem-solving, the more likely is the youth's ability to cope with stressful situations.
- A supportive and caring family: Firm guidance, good communication, family stability and an ability to "grow" with the child are important ingredients for a well-functioning family.
- Interests and activities: Young people who are involved in group activities can channel their energy and frustration in a socially acceptable manner. They learn to relate to others in a semi-structured and fun-filled environment under the guidance of responsible and caring adults.
Know The Warning Signs
Warning signs may help you determine if someone you know is at risk for suicide. It is very important to be aware if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know shows any of these, seek help by calling or texting 988 immediately.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
- Talking about having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawn or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
- Taking unnecessary risks
- Exhibiting self-destructive behavior
- Making arrangements; setting one’s affairs in order
- Giving prized possessions away
Know Some Risk Factors
Below are some risk factors that are important to be aware of. These risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. The risk factors below can not cause or predict a suicide attempt but can help you identify an individual at risk.
- Family history of suicide
- History of mental disorders
- Substance abuse (past or present)
- Access to firearms
- Physical injury or illness
- History of trauma or abuse
- Prolonged stress
- Social isolation or loneliness
- Previous attempts
- Major life changes
- Loss (relational, social, work, financial)
