Suicide Prevention
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
What should I do if I am feeling suicidal? GET HELP NOW!
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, talk to an adult you trust. Consider reaching out to a support staff member, teacher, principal, and/or parent. A trusted adult can help you get the support you need during this difficult time.
You can also reach out to crisis support services like the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988. If you are in a crisis, go to your nearest hospital emergency room or call 911.
To manage your suicidal thoughts, work with a mental health professional and develop a safety plan. MY3 is an app you can download for free to keep track of your warning signs, coping strategies, and the people you can reach out to for help (Android, Apple). The JED Foundation is also a great place to explore mental health resources. The Trevor Project has a comprehensive support center for LGBTQ youth and allies. SAMHSA can help you find a treatment provider in your local community.
HELPING A FRIEND
You can help save a live by using the following steps:
Learn The Signs: If you notice that someone you care about seems more withdrawn, hopeless, and sad. Maybe they do not seem like themselves. Maybe they have started to harm themselves and/or use substances to cope. Maybe they do not want to hang out like they used or their mind seems elsewhere when you are with them? Maybe they have started posting about not wanting to be alive anymore? Maybe they seem overly anxious and insecure and no longer find joy in their life?
Starting The Conversation: Opening the door to begin a conversation can really help. Not sure where to start? Try one of these opening lines to help make starting the conversation easier. Here are some examples:
- Seems like something’s up, do you wanna talk about what is going on?
- I have noticed you have been down lately, what is going on?
- I am worried about you and would like to know what is going on so I can help support you.
- I care so much about you and have not seemed like yourself, what is going on?
During the Conversation.You do not need to know what to say, the most important thing is to listen and stay in a space of curiosity, support, and validation. Remind your friend that you are thankful they are sharing with you and that you want to help them get support. If you learn your friend is being abused, a victim of trauma or having suicidal thoughts, they will need more help than you can provide. The best thing you can do as a friend is to assist with getting that additional help, even if it’s hard for them to accept. Please tell a trusted adult so they can get the appropriate support. We know that this is very hard, but it can save a life. Head to our Get Help page for more information and resources and tips on how to navigate this.
After the Conversation: Access help and do not take ownership of their struggles and try to be their therapist. The most important thing is to let them know how much you care for them, that there is hope, and the best thing they can do is seek professional help.
BREAKING THE STIGMA
ACT (Act, Care, Tell).
Act (ask), Care (support), Tell (tell a trusted adult so they get support)
Did you know that suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people. That’s more than all natural causes combined. A teen or young adult dies by suicide every hour and a half. And for every death, there are 15–25 times as many attempts.
People sometimes think if we talk about it, then we may put it in someone’s head.
This is NOT true.
Together, we need to shatter the silence and start talking about it.
Please Watch This Video: Shatter The Silence
Information on Suicide Prevention:
Watch: Suicide Prevention for Teens and Young Adults
District Policy:
SIATech Suicide Policy and SAS Suicide Policy
