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Suicide
Awareness and
Prevention

A Guide for Parents, Staff, and Youth

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  • 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

    Sight Icon

    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
    Hearing Icon

    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
    Stress Icon

    What Stressful Life Situations Might Be Occuring

    • 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
    Sense Icon

    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 youth may show other warning signs.

    What to Do

    Start a conversation, express concern

    Listen and validate feelings, be nonjudgmental

    Don’t keep it a secret, don’t promise secrecy

    Don’t leave them alone

    Get Help

    Protective Factors

    Effective Clinical Care:
    mental, physical, and
    substance abuse disorders

    Self-worth:
    Self-esteem, sense of purpose,
    meaning in life, optimism,
    hope for future

    Self-care:
    Hobbies, physical activity,
    creative outlet, mindfulness,
    giving self time to recharge

    Supports:
    Cultural, personal, and
    religious

    Connectedness:
    Family and community
    support, one caring
    adult/friend

    Life Skills:
    Problem solving, coping skills,
    ability to adapt to change,
    flexibility

    Reducing Stigma:
    Open and direct talk
    about suicide

    Resources

    If you’re seeing any of these signs, don’t wait, reach out!
    It’s better to get help early than to wait until there is a crisis.

    We can all prevent suicide. 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 or 1-800-273-8255
    Crisis Text line: 741741

    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.
    Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386
    Text: Text START to 678678
    Trevor Chat: trevorchat.org

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