Prevention Resources - Youth Suicide

Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Little Lake City School District recognizes that suicide is a major cause of death among school-aged youth. The following resources regarding suicide awareness and prevention provide information for students, families, and school/district employees.

There’s no single cause for suicide. Suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, and it is often undiagnosed or untreated. Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance problems, especially when unaddressed, increase risk for suicide. Yet it’s important to note that most people who actively manage their mental health conditions go on to engage in a healthy life.

Tips For Parents and Caregivers

Talk to your child about suicide. Remain calm and establish a safe space. Be honest and supportive, and reassure your child that you care.
Listen to your child's thoughts and feelings without judgement. Take your child's concerns seriously and try not to minimize his or her problems. Try to be compassionate and understanding.
Remove access to firearms, weapons, and other potentially lethal means. Keep them locked and secured in an area where children cannot get them.
Help your child identify and connect to caring adults to turn to when (s)he needs guidance and support. Remind your child that it is okay to ask for help.
Know the risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide, such as the ones listed below.

Risk Factors and Warning Signs

There are many complex risk factors that contribute to suicidal behavior. In isolation the risk factors and warning signs listed below are not signs of suicidal thinking. If your child shows some or many of the behaviors below (especially the high risk signs in bold), it is important to be vigilant for warning signs of suicide. If you have concerns for the safety of your child please seek professional help from your child's school or a local mental health agency.

- Access to firearms, weapons, or other lethal means

- Acting out, angry, aggressive, or violent behavior
- Appetite or diet changes
- Arguments with guardian(s)
- Bullying
- Decline in grades or academic performance
- Dramatic change in attitude, mood, behavior, or activity level
- Exposure to suicide of friend, family member, or peer
- Extreme mood swings

- Family history of suicide (attempts or deaths)

- Feeling hopeless, trapped, or in unbearable pain
- Frequent headaches or stomach aches with no known cause
- Health problems (esp. new diagnosis or worsening symptoms)
- LGBTQ+ youth

- Looking for ways to die (researching online or buying items)

- Low self-esteem Mental health disorder (depression, anxiety, bipolar, etc.)

- Physical cruelty towards people or pets

- Preoccupation with death or dying

- Previous suicide attempts

- Recent death, or loss of significant relationship
- Reckless or risky behavior
- Reduced interest in previously important activities
- Running away from home

- Saying "goodbye," giving away prized possessions

- Self-harm or self-injury

- Sleeping too little or too much, nightmares or night terrors

- Social media posts about dying or suicide

- Substance use
- Suicide mentioned or depicted in writing or art

- Suicide notes, plans, or threats

- Talking about dying or wanting to kill oneself
- Threats to hurt or kill oneself
- Withdrawal or isolation from friends and family

*Four out of five youth say something, do something, write or draw something that comes to the attention of an adult or peer.

Preventive and Protective Factors

One caring adult in the life of a child is the greatest protective factor there is!

Connections to family, friends, schools, and communities
Resilience, or ability to overcome difficulties
Positive connections with adults other than parents like family members, teachers, school staff. Coaches, mentors, or religious leaders
Cultural, religious, or personal values and beliefs that protect from suicide
Access to mental health care
“Life skills” and socio-emotional learning in areas like problem solving and coping
A sense of meaning, purpose, or direction in life
Willingness to ask for help when needed