 According to the CDC, in 2009  Among young adults ages 15 to 24 years old, there are approximately attempts for every completed suicide. 3  Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year olds.  Males take their own lives at nearly four times the rate of females and represent 78.8% of all U.S. suicides.  13.8% of students in grades 9-12 seriously considered suicide in the previous 12 months (17.4% of females and 10.5% of males)

 Identification of at-risk students  Refer student to campus counselors

 Can be noted as sudden changes in behavior  May be seen as a recent onset and increasing amounts of:  Behavioral referrals  Peer or familial conflict  Isolation  Decline in grades or participation in class  Absenteeism or truancy  Constant or excessive worrying  Noticeable changes in physical appearance (weight, grooming)

 Talking or joking about suicide  Saying things like, “I’d be better off dead” or “There’s no way out”  Isolation  Signs of depression – helplessness or hopelessness  Recent trauma  Giving away prized possessions  Previous attempts

 Trauma or abuse  Death or loss  Break-up  Alcohol or drug abuse  Problems with job, family, school

Do:  Offer support  Be gentle but persistent  Listen  Validate feelings – their pain is real

Don’t:  Ask a lot of questions or ask why  Argue with the student about their decision  Act shocked  Promise confidentiality – *get help immediately*

 Talk to your student about seeing the counselor  Let the counselor know about your student  *If a student is exhibiting suicidal behaviors or thoughts of suicide, please escort the student to the counselors office.*

The counselor will: 1. Contact the parent 2. Have the parent sign the suicide outcry form 3. Give the parent a list of resources with phone numbers. 4. Release the student to the parent 5. Campus counselor and/or crisis counselor will follow up with student and parent as needed.

 Continually follow up with your students after a referral to the counselor or after a suicide outcry  Make sure you have accurate contact information for parents

 Ron Moss –  Priscilla De La Rosa –  Heather Mason –  Campus Security –

   n_teen.htm n_teen.htm 