Special Edition: The Warhawk's Nest
Suicide
Warning Signs of Suicide
Feelings:
- Hopelessness
- Rage
- Uncontrolled anger
- Seeking revenge
- Feeling like there's no way out- trapped
- No sense of purpose
Actions:
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Giving away prized possessions
- Self mutilation
- Fixation on death or violence
- Unhealthy peer relationships/circle of friends dramatically changes for no reason
- Friendless befriend troubled youth
- Difficulty in adjusting to gender identity: gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender teens have higher suicide attempt rates
- Those that bully or those who are bullied
- Neglecting his/her appearance/hygiene
- Obtaining a weapon
- Dropping out of social, school, athletic, and/or community activities
Changes:
- Decline in quality work
- Volatile mood swings or change in personality
- Anxiety, agitation
- Change in eating/sleeping habits
Threats:
- Threatening or talking about hurting self
- Expressing the belief that life is meaningless
- Expressing "You'll be better off without me."
- Expressing "Soon you won't have to worry about me."
- Expressing "Who cares if I'm dead, anyway?"
Reference: American Association of Suicidology
How to Respond
Ask the Tough Questions:
- Sometimes when people feel sad, they have thoughts of harming or killing themselves. Have you had such thoughts?
- I've noticed that you are going through some rough times. Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and never wake up?
Be Persistent:
- Students are reluctant to always share because they have to be vulnerable, be consistent and firm, making sure the student gets the help he/she needs
Be Prepared to Act:
- Contact a school counselor
- The counselor will then make contact with the student and family
- Never leave a student if their is imminent danger
- If an individual is in imminent danger of self-harm, call 911 or (800) 273-TALK(8255)- let the dispatcher know the individual you are with may harm himself/herself
Additional Resources:
WEBSITE for families/teens!
HOTLINES for families/teens!
- 2-1-1: Manitowoc County United Way & Project Youth: 1-855-LSS-RAYS (N. 8 th St.)
- Text "HOPELINE" to 741741
- National Suicide Hotlines: 1-800-SUICIDE or 1 800 784 2433
- Spanish: 1 888 628 9454 (suicide hotline)
- Teen Help: 1 800 273 TALK or 1 800 273 8255
- Break the cycle: 1 888 988 TEEN (domestic or dating violence)
- Child- Help USA: 1 800 422 4453
- Pregnant Teens: 1 800 843 5437
- Youth Crisis: 1 800 499 9130
- Youth Mental Health: 1 888 568 1112
- National Runaway Switchboard: 1 800 RUNAWAY