Suicide Statistics

1. Suicide Statistics • 600,000 youth get medical attention for self-injury each year in the U.S. • Suicide is now the leading cause of death for girls 15-19 • In 2015 there was 1 death by suicide every 12 minutes or 44,193 deaths • 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-24, 15-25, and 25-34 • This accounts for 20% of all adolescent deaths • More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, and chronic lung disease, combined. • Each day in America, there are an average of over 5,240 suicide attempts by young people grades 7-12. • 123 suicides happen per day • Four out of five teens to attempt suicide have given clear warning signs • In 2016 firearms were the most common method of death by suicide (51.01%); suffocation (25.89%), poisoning (14.90%) • There are 100-200 attempts for every person who dies by suicide

2. Warning SignsIndications that an individual may be experiencing depression or thoughts of suicide. Most individuals give warning signs or signals. Here are some . . . . . • Making suicidal comments . . . . Such as “I wish I were dead”, “I won’t be around to deal with this much longer” • Significant differences in appearance or mood • Extreme withdrawal • Feeling hopeless • Increase in risky behavior (including alcohol/drug use) • Decreased interest in things they once enjoyed • Giving away prized possessions • Talking about being a burden for others • Sleeping too much, or too little (definite changes in sleeping patterns)

3. What to do if you come to know that someone is suicidal: ACT • Acknowledge • Whether a student asks for help directly, or you have concerns, acknowledge that the situation is serious and that you are worried about their wellbeing. THERE IS NO HARM IN ASKING A STUDENT IF THEY ARE SUICIDAL. • Care • Show you care by listening non-judgmentally to what the student says. Avoid making the student feel embarrassed or guilty. Offer words of encouragement but DO NOT promise to keep a secret. Acting to prevent suicide overrides any confidentiality between faculty/staff and students. • Tell • Advise student that you must tell your schools mental health contact and that you will accompany them to their office.

4. Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to let your friends, family, or teachers know what you need when they ask; they want to help. Remember that this feeling can be overcome: Family conflict, relationships, grades, sexual identity, and the loss of important people can seem impossible to deal with. But with support from others, you can. Don’t keep suicide a secret: If your friend is considering suicide, don’t promise to keep it a secret. Tell him or her you can help, but you need to involve other people, like a trusted adult. Neither of you have to face this alone. It is OK to struggle. . . . WE are here for you!!

5. At Olathe South High School . . . . . ALL adults are trained and willing to help: Teachers, coaches, nurse, counselors, administrators, secretaries, social worker, school psychologists, activity sponsors, paraprofessionals, custodians. ALL of us want to help!! If you become aware that someone is considering suicide and it is outside of the school day . . . . Please CALL 911 for a well-visit EVERY life matters and together we can prevent suicide