2.  According to the CDC, in 2009  Among young adults ages 15 to 24 years old, there are approximately 100-200 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)

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

4.  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)

5.  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

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

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

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

9.  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.*

10. 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.

11.  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

12.  Ron Moss – 689-1031  Priscilla De La Rosa – 689-1053  Heather Mason – 689-1009  Campus Security – 689-1077

13.  www.texassuicideprevention.org www.texassuicideprevention.org  www.mha.texas.org www.mha.texas.org  http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depressio n_teen.htm http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depressio n_teen.htm  http://smhp.psych.ucla.edu/qf/p3002_02.htm http://smhp.psych.ucla.edu/qf/p3002_02.htm