Verbal or Written Threats of Suicide:
- Recognize the clues to suicide. Look for symptoms of deep depression and signs of hopelessness. Listen for suicide threats and words of warning, such as “I wish I were dead”, “I have nothing to live for”, “I won’t be a problem for you much longer”, etc. Notice whether the person becomes withdrawn and isolated from others. Be alert to suicidal thoughts as depression seems to lift, or of sudden cheerfulness after a period of depression.
- Some other clues of impending suicide:
-Change in eating or sleeping habits
-Withdrawal from friends, family, and from regular activities
-Giving away possessions
-Violent or rebellious behavior, or running away
-Drug or alcohol abuse
-Unusual neglect of personal appearance
-Radical personality change
-Boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in schoolwork
-Frequent complaints about physical symptoms often related to emotions such as a stomachache, headache, fatigue, etc.
-Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
-Not tolerating praise or rewards
- Take any threat seriously. Trust your own judgment. If you believe someone is in danger of suicide, act on your beliefs. Notify counselor, school psychologist, nurse, and principal’s office immediately
- Stay with suicidal student until help arrives
- Encouraged a suicidal person to talk to you. Don’t give false reassurances that, “everything will be okay”. Listen and sympathize with that the person to feel worthwhile and wanted again
- Continue to express interest in student after crisis is over
Suicide Attempt In Progress:
- Upon notification of a suicide attempt in progress, call school psychologist, guidance counselor, nurse and principal’s office
- Try to calm the students and others, ask student for permission to evacuate rst of class
- Have students evacuate quietly if allowed. Teacher should remain with student in crisis until help arrives
- Return to class when advised
- Identify students in need of counseling
- Notify police immediately/remember 911
