HB 1386 Youth Suicide Prevention

1. HB 1386Youth Suicide Prevention A general overview of signs and symptoms, prevention, intervention and community resources.

2. Common Terms • Suicidal Ideation – Thoughts of suicide, preoccupation with death, desire to end one’s own life. • Suicidal Behavior – Any act focused on intentionally causing one’s own death. • Suicide Attempt – An unsuccessful act focused on causing one’s own death.

3. Prevalence • Suicide is the THIRD leading cause of death for 15 – 24 year olds. • Suicide is the FOURTH leading cause of death for 10 – 14 year olds. * CDC • Typically 8 to 25 attempts prior to a completed suicide.

4. Prevalence • Females are more likely to attempt suicide than males. • Males are four times more likely to die from suicide than females. • Firearms are used in over ½ of all youth suicides. • 75% of people who commit suicide suffered from depression.

5. Risk Factors • Diagnosed mental illness (i.e. anxiety, depression) • Impulsive • Previous suicide attempt • Family violence (physical, emotional, sexual) • Family history of suicide • Legal trouble • Low self worth • Parental unemployment • Financial problems in the home • Perfectionistic tendencies • Substance abuse • Significant life stressors (parental divorce, death) • Exposure to suicidal behavior of others • Firearm in the home • School failure • Rejection by friends or peers • Lack of communication w/parents. • Isolation from family and friends • Loss of relationship

6. Signs and Symptoms • Preoccupation w/death and dying (“I wonder who would even come to my funeral…”) • Reckless behavior/risk taking • Loss of interest in school • Apathetic and neglectful of appearance • Loss of interest in usual activities • Increased physical complaints associated w/emotional distress (stomach aches, headaches) • Withdrawing from others • Change in eating and sleeping habits • Dramatic changes in personality or behavior. • Bizarre thoughts • Substance abuse • Disruptive, attention seeking behaviors • Runaway • Frequently talks about death (even jokingly) • Expresses belief that no one cares about him/her. • Gives or throws away sentimental possessions. • Glamorization or romanticizing of suicide, suicide pacts • Lack of response to praise • Suddenly cheerful after period of depression. • Marked decline in school performance.

7. Prevention and Intervention Options • Counseling- individual and/or family therapy with license therapist. • Residential Treatment- 24 hour supervision, counseling, medication management. (Focus on stabilization and safety) • Medication- typically in conjunction w/therapy.

8. What to do if you suspect at school… • Notify counselor and administrator immediately. Do not leave the student unsupervised at any time. • Counselor will assess student using clinical interview and informal assessment tool • Counselor will utilize the Denton ISD flowchart and make arrangements accordingly. • Once a teacher makes the referral, the responsibility shifts to counselors and administrators. (Please make referral in a timely a manner)

9. Prevention and Intervention Resources • Denton County MHMR crisis line: 940-381-5000 or 1-800-762-0157 • University Behavioral Health (UBH) (940)320-8100 or 1-888-320-8101 • 911 • National Suicide Prevention: 1-800-SUICIDE (2433) or 1800-273-TALK (8255) • Online support groups (TeenHelp.org, yellowribbon.org, lifeline-gallery.org)

10. References • Center for Disease Control • YellowRibbon.org • University of Texas Medical Branch • Teensuicidestatistics.com • The Health Collaborative (Harris Methodist)