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Suicide Hotline
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Helping Children Cope With Loss, Death, and Grief
Tips for Teachers and Parents
The following tips will help teachers, parents, and other caregivers support children who have experienced the loss of parents, friends, or loved ones.
Tips for Keeping Your Child Safe
What do I need to know about youth suicide?
Risk factors for exhibiting suicidal behavior:
- Loss of a significant other
- Previous suicide of a peer or family member
- Family and personal stress
- Substance Abuse
- Depression and other mental health issues
- Problems at school
- Access to weapons or other means of harming oneself
- Questions regarding sexual orientation
Students who are having suicidal thoughts may exhibit a variety of symptoms including, but not limited to:
- Significant changes in behavior such as change in appearance, changes in grades, withdrawing from friends, changes in eating or sleeping habits.
- Making suicidal threats – either direct "I want to die" or indirect "Things would be better if I weren't here."
- Appears sad or hopeless
- Reckless behavior
- Self inflicted injuries
- Giving away prized possessions
- Saying good bye to friends and family
- Making out a will
It is important to remember the signs and risk factors listed are generalities. Not all students who contemplate or die by suicide will exhibit these kinds of symptoms AND not all students who exhibit these behaviors are suicidal.
What can I do to keep my child safe?
ASK. Talking about suicide does not make a student suicidal. Asking if someone is having suicidal thoughts gives him/her permission to talk about it. Asking sends the message that you are concerned and want to help.
TAKE SIGNS SERIOUSLY. Studies have found that more than 75% of people who die by suicide showed some of the warning signs in the weeks or months prior to their death.
GET HELP. If you have concerns that your child is suicidal, seek immediate help from a mental health practitioner. Suicidal students need to be evaluated by an expert in assessing risk and developing treatment plans. Parents can contact school counselors, social workers and school psychologists for a listing of resources. Parents may also want to consult with their insurance company to obtain a list of mental health providers covered by their policy. When you call to make an appointment, tell the person on the phone that your child is suicidal and needs to be seen as soon as possible.
LIMIT ACCESS TO WEAPONS AND OTHER MEANS
DO NOT LEAVE HIM OR HER ALONE. It is important that parents surround themselves with a team of supportive friends or family members who can step in and help as needed.
REASSURE YOUR CHILD THAT LIFE CAN GET BETTER. Many suicidal people have lost all hope that life can improve. They may have difficulty problem solving even simple issues. Remind your child that no matter how bad things are the problem can be worked out. Offer your help.
LISTEN. Avoid making statements such as "I know what it's like" or "I understand." Instead make statements such as "Help me understand what life is like for you right now."
KNOW AND BE READY TO USE EMERGENCY RESOURCES such as:
- National Hopeline Network 1-800-SUICIDE 1-800-784-2433
- Police 911
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention www.afsp.org
- American Association of Suicidology www.suicidology.org
- National Mental Health Association www.nmha.org
- American Academy of Pediatrics www.aap.org
- …or by contacting your student's school counselor, social worker or school psychologist.
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