1

Lifelines Suicide Prevention - education materials

2

Talking about suicide does not cause suicide to occur. Talking breaks the secrecy and let’s people know help is available

Suicidal behavior is one of the most complicated of human behaviors. Depression, anxiety, conduct disorders, and substance abuse all contribute to the possibility of suicide.The reasons behind a suicide often remain a mystery.

Suicidal behavior occurs in all socioeconomic groups. People of all ages, races, faiths, and cultures die by suicide, as do individuals from all walks of life and all income levels.

2

NOTES ABOUT PREVENTION

3

Research has demonstrated in over 80 percent of deaths by suicide, a warning sign or signs were given.People who talk about or attempt suicide need immediate attention. Suicidal individuals are trying to get attention the same way people shout if they are drowning or are injured.

A suicidal crisis is usually very brief, lasting from a few hours to a few days.While suicide is not always prevented, suicide prevention is ALWAYS worth trying.

Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among youth between the ages of fifteen and twenty-four. Suicidal behavior among young people is a much larger public health concern than what is represented in death statistics.

3

44

If we appropriately and adequately address children and youth at risk,suicide attempts and completions among adults may be decreased

5

“Suicide contagion” describe a process by which exposure to suicide or suicidal behavior of one or more persons influences others who are already troubled and thinking about it to attempt/or die by suicide.While one person’s death is not the cause of another’s, there may be shared vulnerabilities.

A suicide pact describes the suicides of two or more individuals (close friends, lovers, etc.) which results in an agreed-on plan to complete a self-destructive act.

Research studies vary greatly in their estimates of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (GLBTQ) youth who die by suicide. The risk factors of discrimination, victimization, bullying... whether gay or straight, no matter what race or ethnicity, are important to consider in suicide prevention.

5

6

It is up to all of us to become educated about suicide, get involved in community prevention efforts, and learn how to access help for someone who is feeling suicidal.

It has been estimated 30 percent of single- occupant fatal car crashes are suicides.

Self-harm is defined as a deliberate and usually repetitive destruction or alteration of one’s own body tissue, without suicidal intent. It is possible for self-harm to result in accidental death and it is also possible for suicidal and self-harming behaviors to co-exist in one person.

6

7

1. To increase the probability persons who come into contact with potentially suicidal adolescents:

can more readily identify them

know how to respond to them

know how to rapidly obtain help for them

will be consistently inclined to take such action

2. To ensure troubled youth are aware of and have access to helping resources so they are inclined to seek help as an alternative to suicide

Lifelines Objectives

8

School systems are not responsible for meeting every need of their students, but when the need directly affects learning, the school must meet the challenge.”

Carnegie Task Force on

Education

8

9

Your Role as Educators

1010

A Competent School Community Includes:A Competent School Community Includes:

School Leaders

Faculty and Staff

Parents Students

11

Every threat should be taken seriously

Remember:

12

Identifying Risk Factors, Warning Signs, and Protective Factors

13

Demographics

Psychiatric history

Drug/alcohol abuse

Previous suicide attempt

Family history of suicide

Risk Factors

14

Exposure to another’s suicide

Experience of stressful life events

Personality factors

Access to means

Risk Factors

15

Suicide ideation

Substance use

Purposelessness

Anxiety

Feeling trapped

Warning Signs

16

Hopelessness

Withdrawal

Anger

Recklessness

Mood changes

Warning Signs

17

Listen

Know your limits

Know your resources

Follow up

Talking with Students

18

Caring relationship with a trusted adult

Sense of connection or participation in school

Positive self-esteem and good coping skills

Protective Factors

19

Access to care for emotional/physical problems, substance abuse

Cultural/religious beliefs that discourage suicide and promote self-preservation

Protective Factors

20

www.sptsnj.orgSociety for the Prevention of Teen SuicideFocuses on resources for the competent school community

www.sprc.orgSuicide Prevention Resource CenterNational resource

www.afsp.orgAmerican Foundation for Suicide PreventionPrinted materials & resources

www.suicidology.orgAmerican Association of SuicidologyData, resources, links

www.maine.gov/suicideMaine Youth Suicide Prevention ProgramExtensive resources and information on youth suicide 

www.maine.gov/suicide/youthMaine Teen Suicide PreventionResources and information for teens

Additional Resources