Skills in Youth Suicide Prevention
IRIS Media, Inc. and Laura Backen Jones, Ph.D.
In the United States, suicide is the third leading cause of death in youth, ages 10-24 years. Schools can play a strategic role in youth suicide prevention. All staff can learn to recognize and respond to students who may be depressed, distressed or having thoughts of suicide.
Teachers, school staff, and anyone who routinely works with youth can beneficially affect the outcomes of teen distress when they know how to:
Recognize
- Early warning signs such as difficulties in school, low self-esteem, change in sleeping or eating patterns, use or abuse of drugs or alcohol, overly self-critical, low energy , or withdrawal from normal activities.
- Late warning signs such as neglecting personal appearance, talk of suicide or death, isolation from friends and family, conduct problems, aggressive behavior, extreme anxiety, agitation, or self-injury, expressions of hopelessness or desperation, refusal of help, giving away prized possessions.
- Speak privately
- Engage in a calm, supportive way
- Listen
- Show empathy
- Be direct
- Ensure the student's safety
- Know how to contract a crisis team member
Requirements:
Instructors:
Table of Contents:
Module 1 - Respond: Main Lesson: Respond, Printable - Communication Tips, Printable - Respond Summary, Module 1 Knowledge Check - Respond
Module 2 - Recognize: Module 2 - Recognize, Printable - Myths & Facts About Teen Depression and Suicide, Printable - Recognize Summary, Module 2 Knowledge Check - Recognize, Skill Practice - What would you do?
Getting Started: Welcome