Standing Guard: How Educators Can Prevent Student Suicides

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Suicide is a national tragedy, and tragically, it's a leading cause of death among teenagers in the US. Educators, with their daily interactions with students, are often in a unique position to identify warning signs, recognize symptoms, and become the first line of defense in preventing student suicide. Knowing how to recognize these signs and intervene effectively can make a life-or-death difference.

Understanding the Scope and Impact:

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10-24 in the US (CDC, 2023).

• It's estimated that for every completed suicide, there are many more attempts (AFSP, 2023).

• Recognizing the warning signs and intervening early can save lives.

It's also important to acknowledge that the risk factors and warning signs for suicide can vary across racial and ethnic groups. Here's some key information to be aware of:

• American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth: Have the highest rates of suicide attempts and deaths by suicide compared to other racial and ethnic groups (SPRC, 2023).

• Black youth: Experience an increasing rate of suicide, particularly among girls (SPRC, 2023).

• Cultural factors and stigma surrounding mental health:  May prevent some students from seeking help. pen_spark

Identifying Warning Signs:

While there's no single indicator of suicidal intent, some common warning signs to be aware of include:

• Changes in mood or behavior: Increased sadness, withdrawal from social activities, irritability, or anxiety.

• Hopelessness: Expressing feelings of despair, a lack of purpose in life, or feeling like a burden to others.

• Self-harm: Cutting, burning, or other deliberate self-injury.

• Talking about suicide:  Expressing suicidal thoughts or plans, writing about death or suicide, or searching for methods online.

• Social isolation: Withdrawing from friends and family, changes in sleep patterns, loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed.

Taking Action: The QPR Model

The QPR model is a simple yet effective tool that equips educators to intervene during potential suicide crises. It stands for:

• Question: Ask direct and caring questions about suicidal thoughts or plans. Listen actively and avoid judgment. Examples: "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" or "I'm concerned about you. Have you thought about suicide?"

• Persuade: Encourage the student to seek help and offer to connect them with resources. Emphasize that they are not alone and that help is available. Examples: "There are people who care about you and want to help. Would you like me to connect you with someone who can support you?"

• Refer: Help the student connect with a trusted adult, counselor, or crisis hotline. Don't leave the student alone until they are connected with help. (Provide resources at the end of the blog for crisis hotlines and support services)

Tips for Educators:

• Build Trust and Rapport:  Positive relationships with educators can provide a safe space for students to open up about their struggles.

• Active Listening:  Pay attention to verbal and nonverbal cues. Let students know you're there to listen without judgment.

• Reduce Stigma:   Talk openly about mental health and suicide prevention to normalize seeking help.

• Know Your Resources:  Be familiar with school counselors, therapists, and local crisis hotlines to connect students with help.

• Self-Care:  Taking care of your own mental and emotional well-being is essential. Prioritize self-care practices and know when to seek support from professionals.

By working together, educators, families, and mental health professionals can create a network of support that helps students feel safe, valued, and empowered to reach out for help when they need it most.

Resources:

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

• The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth): 1-866-488-7386

• The Jed Foundation: https://jedfoundation.org/

• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): https://afsp.org/

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/ (Provides resources for mental health conditions and support groups for diverse communities)

Remember, you are not alone in this. There are national & local resources available to support you and the students you care about.

Contact us today at info@hymanconsultinggroup.com or use our calendly link to https://calendly.com/hymanconsulting/hyman-consulting a free 30-minute consultation and discuss how we can tailor a suicide prevention raining program to meet the specific needs of your school or district.