Suicide Awareness and Prevention
A Guide for Parents, Staff, and Youth
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death in youth ages 10-24.
- Each day in our nation, there are an average of over 3,703 suicide attempts by young people grades 9-12. If these percentages are additionally applied to grades 7 & 8, the numbers would be higher.
- Four out of five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warning signs.
Know the Signs
What might I see?
- Posting on social media about death
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Starting/increase of substance abuse
- Acting anxious or agitated
- Reckless behavior
- Showing rage
- Extreme mood swings
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Visiting people to say a form of goodbye
- Returning borrowed items/giving away possessions
What might I hear?
- Talk about killing oneself
- Idolizing people who have died by suicide
- Having no reason to live
- Being a burden
- Feeling trapped
- Talking about seeking revenge
- A need to escape
- Statements like: I don’t deserve to live, I suck. My family would be better off without me. I won’t be a problem for you much longer
What stressful life situations might be occurring?
- Abuse
- Suicide experience (know someone who has died by suicide or previous suicide behavior)
- Life changes (Divorce, housing, etc.)
- Loss (of loved one/pet, relationship, etc.)
- Rejection
What might I sense?
- Something is not okay (trust your gut instincts)
- Unbearable pain
- Relief or sudden improvement in mood
- Shame
- Overwhelmed with no hope for improvement
- Feeling unaccepted
While this is a helpful list of common signs, it is not complete and there may be other warning signs. If you’re seeing any of these signs, don’t wait, reach out immediately!
Resources
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text line: 741741
suicidepreventionlifeline.org
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ young people under 25. The Trevor Project has a lifeline, chat, and text line 24/7, 365 days a year.