Suicide Prevention

Know the Warning Signs

Most suicidal young people don’t really want to die; they just want their pain to end. About 80% of the time, people who kill themselves have given definite signals or talked about suicide. The key to prevention is to know these signs and what to do to help.

Watch for these signs. They may indicate someone is thinking about suicide. The more signs you see, the greater the risk.

A previous suicide attempt
Current talk of suicide or making a plan
Strong wish to die or a preoccupation with death
Giving away prized possessions
Signs of depression, such as moodiness, hopelessness, withdrawal
Increased alcohol and/or other drug use
Hinting at not being around in the future or saying good-bye

These warning signs are especially noteworthy in light of:

a recent death or suicide of a friend or family member
a recent break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or conflict with parents
news reports of other suicides by young people in the same school or community

Other key risk factors include:

Readily accessible firearms
Impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks
Lack of connection to family and friends (no one to talk to)

What to do if you see the warning signs?
If a friend mentions suicide, take it seriously. If he or she has expressed an immediate plan, or has access to a gun or other potentially deadly means, do not leave him or her alone. Get help immediately.

Source: Youth Suicide Prevention Program

Parent Video: Not my Kid

http://www.sptsusa.org/parents/video/spts_parent_video.html

Watch for Signs:

http://www.yspp.org/resources/documents/YSPP_WatchSigns_hi_res_website.pdf

Some common questions and answers about suicide:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-a-major-preventable-mental-health-problem-fact-sheet/teen-suicide.pdf

Suicide Prevention Resources:

Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention (OSP) http://suicideprevention.nv.gov/Resources/Resources/

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) www.afsp.org

American Association of Suicidology (AAS) www.suicidology.org

Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) www.sprc.org