Suicide Prevention Resources

Definitions:

• Suicidal ideation = refers to thinking about, considering, or planning suicide 
• Suicide attempt = non-fatal, self-directed, potentially injurious behavior with intent to die
• Suicide = death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with intent to die

Risk Factors for Youth Suicide:

• Mental Illness such as Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, and Conduct Disorder
• Social isolation and interpersonal difficulties 
• Disruption to the family, divorce, deportation 
• Loss and Grief 
• Poor Coping Skills
• Cognitive Deficits
• Exposure to abuse (physical, mental, sexual), domestic violence
• Involvement in the legal and/or foster system 

Warning Signs of Suicide:

• Suicidal ideology: talking, texting, writing, drawing about death and suicide
• Looking for ways to kill self, practicing
• Fall in school performance 
• Severe worry or anxiety, school refusal 
• Marked changes in sleeping, eating habits, and/or physical complaints
• Alcohol and/or drug use
• Withdrawal from friends and/or family
• Dramatic mood changes, rage, uncontrolled anger
• Risk-taking behavior 
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Bullying and cyber-bullying

What Can Parents Do?

• Know the warning signs and risk factors 
• Talk to your child about depression and suicide 
• Be willing to listen to their concerns and take all concerns seriously 
• Teach your child to tell a trusted adult if they or another child show signs of suicide
• Support school suicide prevention efforts such as Riding the Waves and Signs of Suicide (SOS)
• If there is reason to be concerned, tell your school social worker, psychologist, counselor, nurse, and/or pediatrician

Additional Resources for Parents/Students:

• National Crisis Line (English & Spanish): 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
• Trevor Project Suicide Crisis Line: 1-866-488-7386
• Riding the Waves Curriculum: https://crisisclinic.org/riding-the-waves/
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center: http://www.sprc.org/settings/schools
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/
• Safe2Tell: 1-877-542-7233 or http://safe2tell.org/