I recently saw a wonderful presentation by Scott Poland PhD on youth suicide. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death of people ages 10-24 according to the CDC. I can’t imagine anything more tragic than losing a child by suicide. I pray it never happens to anyone reading this blog. Dr. Poland told us about statistics regarding suicide, warning signs and some court cases where schools were sued. The following blog is information from his presentation.
Facts From International Symposium on Suicide
The media sensationalizes suicide and suicides tend to occur in clusters.
Guns are so easy to get a hold of. This has nothing to do with the right to bear arms. It is about being sure that if you have guns, they are not loaded, and they are locked up.
Schools can help with prevention. Think about it, kids spend most of their time in school. Being at school can actually be a protective factor. Counselors, students, teachers and school nurses all have contact with students and may have some seen some signs or clues.
Kids have a lot of pressure to succeed. It’s unrealistic to think that every kid will get into an ivy league school. It’s OK is your kid is average. They can still get a great education at a state school.
Youth Suicide Prevention per the Surgeon General
Between 40,000 and 50,000 suicides could be prevented each year. If you suspect someone is considering it, don’t remain quiet about it. Many people think, I can’t ask them if they are thinking of suicide, because I might put the idea in their head. Asking about it will not make them decide to do it. They already know it’s an option. Only if you know if they are thinking of ending their lives can you take the proper steps to intervene.
Stay with the person if they show any warning signs. If you leave them alone, they might do something harmful. Be sure to pass them on to a family member, trusted adult, police, or mental health professional.
Warning Signs of Suicide
Hopelessness is a big sign. If they are talking about suicide or how they would do it, then there is a concern. If they appear depressed or in a lot of emotional pain they are more vulnerable. Withdrawal from activities they normally enjoy, or being more agitated or irritable than usual. They may give some of their favorite possessions away, or make comments such as, “They’d be better off without me,” or “I’m a burden.”
If you suspect someone is suicidal take him or her to a hospital or mental health professional, or call the national suicide hotline 1-800-273-8255.
Texas Youth Suicide Statistics (2015 with 3800 participants)
16.7% thought about suicide
15.6 % had a plan
10% tried to take their life. It is hard to believe that 1 in 10 students have tried to commit suicide. That statistic blew me away!
Who Is At Greatest Risk?
The kids most likely to attempt suicide are those that identify is LGBT. There are other several risk factors such as the recent death of a loved one or family member by suicide, someone who has been on the receiving end of bullying, and depressed individuals. Also those who have had some sort of trauma, those use abuse alcohol or other substances or self injure. Children who are in foster care, are homeless, or run away are also more at risk.
Protective Factors
Good relationships with friends and adults they can talk to. Lack of means to commit suicide (i.e. no access to guns or pills) serves as a deterrent to self-harm. Access and acceptance of mental health care is key. A stable family life decreases the chance of suicide. Having good problem solving skills, lack of impulsiveness and healthy self esteem helps. Doing well in school, has involvement in school activities or sports provides protection.
Guidelines for Prevention of Youth Suicide in Schools
There have been several court cases where schools were sued and considered responsible for the suicide, as there were some warning signs that no one took action upon.
The recommendation is that all staff has yearly training on suicide and warning signs. They need to be able to assess for risk of suicide. Policies need to be in place to notify parents if their child is at risk, along with how to get support and resources for a child that is suicidal. If the child is hospitalized there needs to be some help for them after they go back to school. School websites should have information on depression and suicide, so everyone can be aware.
Hopefully the information in this article will be helpful. If you are thinking of suicide, or are worried about someone who is, you can call the suicide hotline 1-800-273-8255.
Take care,
Debbie
