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Suicide is Preventable Help Save a Life
Suicide is Preventable Help Save a Life
Did you know?
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth between 10 and 19 years of age.
- One out of five Michigan high school students has contemplated suicide.
- Most suicidal youths don't want to die, they just want to end the pain. They don't see a way out.
- A previous suicide attempt is the largest predictor of suicidal behavior.
- 80% of teens who attempt suicide give clear warning signs.
Risk Factors - Do not cause suicide, but they can increase a student's risk for suicide
- One of more suicide attempts
- Access to guns or other lethal means of suicide
- Mental health issues
- Alcohol of substance abuse
- Exposure to the suicide of a family member or friend
- Social isolation
- Stressful events, including relationship breakup, family problems, etc.
- Bullying or harassment
- History of abuse, trauma, or assault
- Lack of coping or problem-solving skills
- Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
Warning Signs - What you might see or hear that indicates a student MAY be suicidal
- Makes a statement
"I wish I were dead," "What's the point of living?", "No one would miss me if I were gone."
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
This could be through a status update, a tweet, a text, an image, a school assignment or any type of conversation.
- Preoccupation with death - looking for a way to attempt suicide
Searching for a gun, pills, or other lethal means. Having a realistic plan about where to get the means to die by suicide.
- Giving away prized possessions
- Dramatic mood swings and/or drastic personality change
- Other behaviors
- Signs of depression or anxiety
- Feeling like a burden
- Feeling trapped - no way out
- Increased drug/alcohol abuse
- Neglecting appearance
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Drop-in grades
- Engage in risk-taking behaviors
What You Can Do
- Listen. Allow them to express their feelings and listen for warning signs.
- Ask Direct Questions: Talking about suicide does not plant the idea in their head.
- Do you want to kill yourself?
- Do you have a plan to kill yourself?
- Do you have access to the means?
- Keep a friend safe. Stay with them until someone else arrives. Ask if they have any weapons or objects that could harm them. If so, remove them.
- Get help right away. Call a doctor, a mental health professional, or take your friend to the emergency room for a psychiatric evaluation.
- Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - 988