FACTS ON SUICIDE
Teenage suicide is preventable. When a person is depressed, they are NOT thinking, feeling,
or acting the way they normally do. We must get them help, to get them back on track. We
must learn what the warning signs are and who is at higher risk.
Among young people aged 15-24, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death, behind
accidents and homicide. The number has tripled in recent years.
Every day in the U.S., approximately 14 young people between the ages of 15-24 die at their
own hands. That's one suicide every 1 hour and 40 minutes.
MYTHS OF SUICIDE
TRUE OR FALSE?
Teenagers who talk about attempting suicide are doing
it for attention.
True, and they NEED the attention. There is something
going on that's causing them to feel this way. They need
people to listen, and professionals to help them.
MYTH 2
All teenagers who are suicidal are depressed.
This statement is true, but the reverse is not true, most people will
experience times in their lives when they are depressed, but have no suicidal
ideation.
MYTH 3
Suicidal people really want to die, so there's no way to stop them.
False. They are depressed and need help. With help, they can feel better
and find other solutions.
MYTH 4
Talking about suicide will cause a student to attempt suicide.
False. It's just the opposite: not talking about it could escalate the problem. Even
thinking about it makes the suicidal person feel worse. Talking will help bring
understanding. Talking about it can relieve suicidal students and get them the help
that's needed. Discussing the subject openly shows that you take the person
seriously and that you care.
MYTH 5
If a person really wants to kill himself or herself, no one has the right to
stop him or her.
False. We would help a person who was physically sick or injured; we
need to help a person who is mentally ill.
MYTH 6
Once a person is suicidal, they're suicidal forever.
False. Teens who are suicidal can go on to lead useful lives, once they get
help. Usually the suicidal feelings are for a limited period of time.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DANGER SIGNS?
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Change in eating and sleeping habits
Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activity
Violent actions, rebellious behavior
Drug and alcohol use
Unusual neglect in personal appearance
Marked personality change
Decline in school performance
Fixation on death or violence
Self mutilation
Making statements such as: “life isn’t worthwhile; I won’t be a problem
much longer; teachers, family, friends don’t care; I wish I were dead; who
cares if I am dead,” or “what’s the point of living?”
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
DO:
Ask if he/she is considering suicide and voice your concern. Research
has shown that asking someone if he or she has thought about
suicide will not increase that person’s risk.
Be honest, willing to listen and non-judgemental. Let the person know
you care and understand, and that he or she is not alone.
Find out if he/she has a specific plan to commit suicide. If they have
a plan, do they have the means to carry it out? If so, take action and
remove the means.
Tell a trusted adult!!!
DON’T:
PROMISE CONFIDENTIALITY WHEN IT COMES TO ISSUES
REGARDING SAFETY. THERE ARE MANY RESOURCES
FOR HELP WHEN POTENTIAL SUICIDE IS IDENTIFIED.
PRETEND TO HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS. THE MOST
IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO MAY BE TO ASSIST IN
FINDING PROFESSIONAL HELP.
LEAVE THE PERSON ALONE OR DARE THEM TO DO IT.
Teenagers are simply overwhelmed by the uncertainties of adolescence and feel they
have nowhere to turn.
Teenagers who consider suicide feel alone, hopeless, and rejected. When a teen
commits suicide everyone is affected.
Family, friends, teammates, neighbors, and even those who didn’t know the person
well may experience feelings of grief, confusion, and guilt. Our youth today need a
strong, healthy self-esteem built by family, mentors, social support, and a spiritual life.
This will develop and foster coping skills to help with teen pressures.
Did you Know:
• Suicide is preventable 70% of all people who commit suicide give some warning to a
friend or family member.
• Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for teens and young adult. Almost 17% of high
school students have seriously considered suicide. The fastest growing age group for
suicide is ten to 14 year olds.
• If you have a gun in your home you are five times more likely to have a suicide in your
house than homes without a gun.
• A young person commits suicide approximately every 2 hours.
WHAT TO DO?
 Remain calm.
 Ask the youth directly if he or she is thinking about suicide.
 Focus on your concern for their wellbeing and avoid being accusatory.
 Listen.
 Reassure them that there is help and they will not feel like this forever.
 Do not judge.
 Provide constant supervision. Do not leave the youth alone.
 Remove means for self-harm.
 Tell an adult.
MOST IMPORTANT
Get help!
Peers should not agree to keep the suicidal thoughts a secret and instead
should tell an adult, such as a parent, teacher, or school psychologist.
Parents should seek help from school or community mental health
resources as soon as possible. School staff should take the student to the
designated school mental health professional or administrator
Show SOS Video:
LINK TO WEBSITE:
http://411.rockdale.k12.ga.us/ss/StuSup/Shared%20D
ocuments/Suicide,%20Homicide,%20Terrorist%20Threa
t/TeenDepressionFactSheet.pdf