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Latina Suicide and the Schools

Latina Suicide and the Schools. David N. Miller, Ph.D. University at Albany, SUNY dmiller@uamail.albany.edu. Youth Suicide in Context. On average, approximately 5 youth between the ages of 10 and 19 die by suicide every day in the U.S.

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Latina Suicide and the Schools

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  1. Latina Suicide and the Schools David N. Miller, Ph.D. University at Albany, SUNY dmiller@uamail.albany.edu

  2. Youth Suicide in Context • On average, approximately 5 youth between the ages of 10 and 19 die by suicide every day in the U.S. • For every youth who dies by suicide, 100-200 make serious suicide attempts, and thousands more seriously contemplate it.

  3. Youth Suicidal Behavior • Suicidal Ideation • Suicide-Related Communication • Suicide Attempts • Suicide

  4. Why Do Young People Die By Suicide? • Because they can, and because they want to • Perceived burdensomeness • Failed belongingness • Habituation to fear and pain of death

  5. Prominent Risk Factors • The two biggest risk factors for youth suicide are: • (1) Presence of mental health disorder(s) • (2) Previous suicidal behavior

  6. Possible Warning Signs • Hopelessness • Rage, anger, seeking revenge • Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking • Increasing alcohol or drug use • Withdrawing from friends, family, or society

  7. Possible Warning Signs • Experiencing anxiety and/or agitation • Being unable to sleep or sleeping excessively • Dramatic mood changes • Perceiving no reason for living or no sense of purpose in life • NOT on this list: giving away possessions

  8. Protective Factors • Close peer relationships • High self-efficacy • High levels of engagement in productive activities (e.g., school) • Warm relationships and guidance from adults • Responsive schools

  9. Myths About Suicide • The two biggest… • (1) Talking about suicide with youth increases the probability it will occur • (2) If someone wants to die by suicide, there is little or nothing anyone can do to prevent it

  10. Suicide in a Cultural Context • Various ethnic groups differ in their: • Rates of youth suicide • The context in which suicide occurs • Patterns of help seeking

  11. Latina Suicide and the Schools: What Can We Do? • Educate all students and school staff about risk factors and warning signs, and where to go for help • Actively identify and seek out members from higher risk groups • Ensure mental health professionals in schools are skilled in suicide risk assessment • Enhance parent/caregiver education

  12. Latina Suicides and the Schools:What Can We Do? • Create school environments characterized by warmth and caring • Promoting student engagement in school (in academics, sports, music, plays, etc.) • Promote help-seeking behavior • Don’t be afraid to talk about it!

  13. Thank You! • For more information, see my book Child and Adolescent Suicidal Behavior: School-Based Prevention, Assessment, and Intervention (2011) • Email: dmiller@uamail.albany.edu

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