1. Latina Suicide and the Schools David N. Miller, Ph.D. University at Albany, SUNY dmiller@uamail.albany.edu

2. Youth Suicide in Context  On average, approximately 5 youth between the ages of 10 and 19 die by suicide every day in the U.S.  For every youth who dies by suicide, 100-200 make serious suicide attempts, and thousands more seriously contemplate it.

3. Youth Suicidal Behavior  Suicidal Ideation  Suicide-Related Communication  Suicide Attempts  Suicide

4. Why Do Young People Die By Suicide?  Because they can, and because they want to –Perceived burdensomeness –Failed belongingness –Habituation to fear and pain of death

5. Prominent Risk Factors  The two biggest risk factors for youth suicide are: –(1) Presence of mental health disorder(s) –(2) Previous suicidal behavior

6. Possible Warning Signs  Hopelessness  Rage, anger, seeking revenge  Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking  Increasing alcohol or drug use  Withdrawing from friends, family, or society

7. Possible Warning Signs  Experiencing anxiety and/or agitation  Being unable to sleep or sleeping excessively  Dramatic mood changes  Perceiving no reason for living or no sense of purpose in life  NOT on this list: giving away possessions

8. Protective Factors  Close peer relationships  High self-efficacy  High levels of engagement in productive activities (e.g., school)  Warm relationships and guidance from adults  Responsive schools

9. Myths About Suicide  The two biggest… –(1) Talking about suicide with youth increases the probability it will occur –(2) If someone wants to die by suicide, there is little or nothing anyone can do to prevent it

10. Suicide in a Cultural Context  Various ethnic groups differ in their: –Rates of youth suicide –The context in which suicide occurs –Patterns of help seeking

11. Latina Suicide and the Schools: What Can We Do?  Educate all students and school staff about risk factors and warning signs, and where to go for help  Actively identify and seek out members from higher risk groups  Ensure mental health professionals in schools are skilled in suicide risk assessment  Enhance parent/caregiver education

12. Latina Suicides and the Schools: What Can We Do?  Create school environments characterized by warmth and caring  Promoting student engagement in school (in academics, sports, music, plays, etc.)  Promote help-seeking behavior  Don’t be afraid to talk about it!

13. Thank You!  For more information, see my book Child and Adolescent Suicidal Behavior: School-Based Prevention, Assessment, and Intervention (2011)  Email: dmiller@uamail.albany.edu