It is important that we prepare for the upcoming school year though, and not just by tending to needs like paper, pens, backpacks, and clothes that fit. Last year in Clark County was a difficult one, marked by a number of youth suicides. As parents, teachers, and other sources of support to adolescents, we can prepare to help teens face suicidal thoughts and feelings by 1) understanding the demographics behind suicide, 2) recognize the warning signs, and 3) know how to intervene if the situation warrants.
1.) The Hard Facts
Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for young people 15-24
91 people commit suicide daily in the USA
Suicides increase in the Spring
Firearms are the leading cause of suicide
Males are 4x as likely to commit suicide
Females are 3x more likely to attempt suicide (If the last two facts are confusing, it translates into this: women make more attempts than men to commit suicide. However, men are more likely to succeed when attempting it.)
Everyone is at risk
2.) Warning Signs
Giving away their belongings, settling debts
Talking about death frequently
Threatening suicide (never ignore this!)
Hinting that it would be better if they weren't around or that they aren't in the future
Friends or family having committed suicide
Visiting/calling people to say goodbye
Not caring about anything
A sudden switch from being very sad to calm or happy
3.) Intervention
Ask directly if they are thinking of killing themselves
Actively listen (i.e "So what I hear you saying is....")
Get more info (i.e. "Have you felt like this before?" or "Have you talked with a counselor?")
Find out if they have a plan, time, place, access to a feasible plan
Do not passively reassure (i.e "Everything will be ok.") or agree to keep it a secret
Avoid arguing, judging their motivation, or leaving them alone
Get other supports involved
Call the 24/7 Clark County Crisis Line @ 1-800-626-8137
Contact trusted friends and family
In case of emergency, call 911
Seek professional help (i.e. counselors, doctors etc...)
Contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline @ 1-800-273-8255
By remembering these three important things as our teens get back into the school schedule, together we can work to help others continue to live life. In this, we can both intervene to prevent the loss of life, and avoid the often overwhelming guilt, anger, frustration, sadness, and grief felt by those left behind. We can offer hope, a place of safety, and a way to gain skills to create a better future.
For more information or opportunities for educational training on suicide prevention, check out the following websites by local organizations:
