September is National Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide Is Preventable: The District encourages everyone to be aware of the warning signs. Learn what family members, friends and educators can do.

The statistics show that teen suicide is on the rise. According to the National Association of School Psychologists, suicide can be prevented. Experts agree that everyone needs to get to a place where everybody, everywhere asks the questions that help identify at-risk individuals and get them the help that they need. Together, we can prevent these unnecessary tragedies.

Dr. Charlotte J. Davis, director of guidance and counseling, oversees school counselors and works with at-risk students. The District has school counselors, social workers and licensed school psychologists available to work with students in need of assistance.

“Our job is to ensure the emotional well-being, safety and health of all AISD students,” said Davis. “The District has trained staff to work with students and their families. We can provide resources to help students, their families and staff members experiencing emotional trauma. Everyone works together to determine the appropriate level of treatment.”

Davis’ staff members receive training on suicide prevention, crisis intervention, early warning signs of mental health issues and risky behaviors. For more information, visit the District’s Guidance and Counseling Department webpages (click here).

According to an April 2016 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate jumped 24 percent from 1999 to 2014. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among people ages 15-24 years old, and it does not discriminate. Anyone, no matter his or her age, race, ethnicity or socio-economic background, can be suicidal.

Warning signs someone may be thinking about suicide need to be taken seriously. Signs can include:

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Social withdrawal from friends, family and the community[/li] [li]Dramatic mood swings [/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Expressed suicidal thoughts or actions[/li] [li]Impulsive or reckless behavior [/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Substance abuse (e.g. alcohol, drug use)[/li] [li]Aggressive behavior; sudden change in eating and sleeping habits [/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Sadness and hopelessness; low self-esteem[/li] [li]Feels pressure to be perfect and/or overachieve; has an intolerance to failure or imperfection [/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Doesn’t want to attend school due to harassment – known as bullying; sudden drop in academic performance[/li] [li]Previous suicide attempts [/li][/ul]

Even if the teen sounds sarcastic or joking – it is important to take these statements and actions seriously and check in with your teen.

What can you do if your teen is talking to you about suicide?

Youth who feel suicidal are not likely to seek help directly; however, parents, school personnel, and peers can recognize the warning signs and take immediate action to keep the youth safe. When a youth gives signs that they may be considering suicide, the following actions should be taken:

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Remain calm and do not judge.[/li] [li]Ask directly if he or she is considering suicide (e.g., “Are you thinking of suicide?”). [/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Be willing to listen with care and concern.[/li] [li]Offer hope that alternatives are available; reassure the youth that there is help and he or she will not feel like this forever.[/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Remind him/her that nothing is urgent or forever.[/li] [li]Take action to ensure his or her safety. For example, provide constant supervision. Monitor what the youth watches online. Do not leave him or her alone and remove means for self-harm (e.g. sharp objects, poison, medications).[/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Get help: No one should ever agree to keep a youth’s suicidal thoughts a secret and instead should tell an appropriate caregiving adult, such as a parent, teacher, or school psychologist. Parents should seek help from school or community mental health resources as soon as possible. School staff should take the student to a school-employed mental health professional or administrator.[/li][/ul]

Persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention:

Mental Health Authority of Harris County

Main: 866-970-4770
Crisis Line: 713-970-7000 and 713-970-7070

Teenline

English: 713-529-8336
Español: 713-47-AYUDA o 713-472-9832

National Suicide Prevention

LifeLine: 1-800-273-8255
For hearing impaired, contact Lifeline: 1-800-799-4889

Crisis Hotline for Crisis Intervention of Houston, Inc.

Teen (call): 832-416-1199
Teen (text): 281-201-4330

Information shared in this article came from various organizations, including the ones listed below. Visit their websites for more information and support (click on the links below):

Crisis Connections
National Association of School Psychologists
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Suicide Prevention Lifeline (English/Español)

Talk With Your Children: Good communication is the key to generating trust.

Many parents avoid mentioning the topic because they fear that, in doing so, they will incite suicide but it is not so. That is a myth. Talking about suicide should not be a taboo. The important thing is to take into account the minor’s capacity to understand and reflect on taking his own life. Remember: you have to prevent before you regret.

World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10.

Create an open space with your teen to have the conversation – even if it is hard. Sharing an ear, shoulder, hug, smile or simple moment of connection today may be the beginning of the support your teen needs.

Even if your teen is not thinking about suicide, a friend of theirs may be, or they may just be worried about the topic in general. Knowing the pathways to get help opens the door to healing. Talking about tough topics and offering support opens the lines of communication, reduces risk and can lead to getting the professional help your child may need.

Remember: You are NOT alone.