Suicide Prevention Information for Students

 State law requires that all students in middle and high schools receive some type of suicide prevention information by Sept. 1

In Kentucky… Suicide is the 3 rd leading cause of death for year olds. Suicide is the 2 nd leading cause of death for year olds. Suicide is the 4 th leading cause of death for year olds.

Our Goal:  Help students recognize the warning signs and risk factors for their friends and themselves and remind them of the things that serve as a protective factor.

 Risk Factors are personal or environmental characteristics that are associated with suicide. People affected by one or more of these risk factors have a greater probability of suicidal behavior. Risk Factors

 Warning Signs are INDICATIONS that someone may be in danger of suicide– either immediately or in the future. Warning Signs

 Someone threatens to hurt or kill themselves  Someone is looking for ways to kill themselves– seeking access to pills, weapons, or other means  Someone talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when this is out of the ordinary for the person Warning Signs

 Hopelessness  Rage, anger, or seeking revenge  Recklessness, acting without thinking  Expressions of feeling trapped  Increased drug/alcohol use  Withdrawal from friends, family, or society  Anxiety, agitation, inability to sleep, constant sleep  Expresses no reason for living, no sense of purpose in life  Giving away personal possessions

strong problem solving skills, coping skills, self-esteem, adaptable temperament, emotional intelligence, psychological well being & positive mood, internal locus of control, frequent, vigorous physical activity or participation in sports, spiritual faith / regular church attendance, resilience: ongoing sense of hope in the face of adversity, frustration tolerance and emotional regulation

 Social media is one of the most prevalent places for a student to identify he or she is considering suicide. We strongly encourage students to report those comments if they fear for their friend’s life. Reporting links have been placed the school guidance page.

 You are encouraged to store this number in your cell phone (right now if you’d like).  By calling TALK (8255) you’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/ TALK

No matter what problems you are dealing with, we want to help you find a reason to keep living TALK TALK (8255)

 If you feel you are in a crisis, whether or not you are thinking about killing yourself, please call the Lifeline. People have called us for help with substance abuse, economic worries, relationship and family problems, sexual orientation, illness, getting over abuse, depression, mental and physical illness, and even loneliness.

 When you dial TALK (8255), you are calling the crisis center in the Lifeline network closest to your location. After you call, you will hear a message saying you have reached the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You will hear hold music while your call is being routed. You will be helped by a skilled, trained crisis worker who will listen to your problems and will tell you about mental health services in your area. Your call is confidential and free TALK

 Make sure you tell a trusted adult (a teacher, principal, guidance counselor, etc.) that you or a friend are considering suicide as a solution to their problems.