Let s Talk About the Role of Schools In Preventing Suicide Among Students
Introductions ANN EPPERSON SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST BARREN COUNTY SCHOOLS RACHEL WETTON SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST BARREN COUNTY SCHOOLS BRIDGET WILFERT SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST BARREN COUNTY SCHOOLS
Activity On your Index Card Think about a time when: you were concerned a student may be thinking about suicide, or you were concerned about a student s mental health. What were the warning signs? What actions did you take?
What s In It For Me? Learn how to recognize warning signs Learn how to talk to students in need Learn procedures in place Learn how to access help or support
Agenda Suicide Statistics Current Laws Affecting Kentucky Schools Identifying at Risk Students Putting it all together Closure
Violent Deaths Worldwide Suicide? Homicide Armed Conflict
Violent Deaths Worldwide
There were 38,364 deaths by suicide in the year 2010 That s 105.1 suicides each day
Trends among High School students by gender in the United States from 1991 2009
Suicide Rates Among Persons Ages 10 Years and Older, by Gender, United States, 1991 2010
In Kentucky Kentucky has the 21st Highest Suicide completion rate in the nation. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for 10-14 year olds. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for 15-34 year olds. Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death for 35-54 year olds.
2007-2011 Suicide Completions in Kentucky (All Ages)
2007-2011 Suicide Completions in Kentucky (Ages <20)
2007-2011 Suicide Completions in Our Region Lifeskills Mental Health Region
School Laws in the US Alaska, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Tennessee are the only four states who mandate annual 2 hour suicide prevention training for school personnel. Alaska requires 2 hours of training each year for teachers, administrators, counselors, and specialists who provide services to students in grades 7 12. Kentucky requires 2 hours of self study review of suicide prevention materials each year for high school and middle school principals, guidance counselors, and teachers. Louisiana requires 2 hours of in service training each year for teachers, school counselors, principals, and other administrators for whom such training is deemed beneficial. Tennessee requires 2 hours of in service training each year for teachers and principals.
Senate Bill 65 Suicide Prevention Education for Middle and High School Staff Signed by Governor April 13, 2010 http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/10rs/sb65.htm Amends KRS 158.070 to require all high school and middle school principals, guidance counselors and teachers to complete a minimum of two hours of self-study review of suicide prevention materials each school year. Also amends KRS 161.011 to permit suicide prevention training for classified employees.
House Bill 51 Suicide Prevention Information for Middle and High School Students. Signed by Governor March 4, 2010 http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/10rs/hb51.htm Amends KRS 156.095 to require the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to post suicide prevention awareness and training information on its Web page by Aug. 1, 2010; Requires every public middle and high school administrator to disseminate suicide prevention awareness information to all middle and high school students by Sept. 1, 2010, and Sept. 1 of each year thereafter.
Identifying At Risk Students
Identifying At Risk Students Risk Factors Warning Signs Protective Factors
Risk Factors Personal or environmental characteristics that are associated with suicide. People affected by one or more of these risk factors have a greater probability of suicidal behavior. Examples: Risky Behaviors, History of depression, low self-esteem
Risk Factors Behavioral Health Issues Depressive disorders Substance abuse/dependence Conduct/disruptive behavior disorders Anxiety, Personality, and other disorders Self Injury (even without intent to die) Previous suicide attempts Genetic/biological vulnerabilities. Multiple Risk Factors/ Multiple Behavioral Health Disorders
Risk Factors Personal Characteristics Hopelessness Low Self Esteem Loneliness Social alienation and isolation, lack of belonging Low stress and frustration tolerance Impulsivity Risk taking, recklessness Poor problem-solving or coping skills Perception of self as very under or over weight Capacity to self-injure Perception of being a burden (to family/friends)
Risk Factors Adverse/Stressful Life Circumstances Interpersonal difficulties or losses (e.g., breakups, deaths) Disciplinary or legal problems Bullying, either as victim or perpetrator School or work problems (actual or perceived) Attendance Problems Physical, sexual, and/or psychological abuse Chronic physical illness or disability Exposure to suicide of peer
Risk Factors Risky Behaviors Alcohol or drug use Delinquency Aggressive or violent behavior Risky sexual behavior
Risk Factors Environmental Factors Negative social/emotional environment Lack of acceptance of differences Expression and acts of hostility Lack of respect and fair treatment Lack of feeling of safety and security Weapons on campus Limited access to mental health care Access to lethal means, particularly in the home Exposure to other suicides (contagion) Exposure to discrimination based on sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, physical characteristics, etc
Protective Factors Personal or environmental characteristics that reduce the probability of suicide. Can buffer the effects of risk factors (boost resilience). Examples: Strong problem-solving skills, spiritual faith, strong support system
Protective Factors Individual Characteristics & Behaviors Psychological/emotional well-being, positive mood Emotional intelligence Adaptable temperament Internal locus of control Strong problem-solving skills Coping skills Self-esteem Frequent, vigorous physical activity or participation in sports Spiritual faith / regular church attendance Resilience: ongoing sense of hope in the face of adversity Frustration tolerance and emotional regulation
Protective Factors Family and Other Social Support Family support and strong connectedness to family Parental Involvement Close friends or family members, caring adult, social support Parents model pro-social norms
Protective Factors School Positive school experiences Part of a close school community Safe environment at school (especially for lesbian, gay bisexual, and transgender youth) Adequate or better academic achievement Sense of connectedness to the school
Protective Factors Mental Health and Healthcare Providers / Caregivers Access to effective care for mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders Easy access to care and support through ongoing medical and mental health relationships
Protective Factors Access to Means Restricted access to firearms: guns locked or unloaded, ammunition stored or locked. Safety barriers for bridges, buildings, and other jumping sites. Restricted access to medications (OTC & prescription) Restricted access to alcohol
Warning Signs Indications that someone may be in danger of suicide, either immediately or in the future.
Warning Signs Threatens to hurt or kill themselves Looking for ways to kill themselves, seeking access to pills, weapons, or other means. Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide Hopelessness Rage, anger, seeking revenge Recklessness, acting without thinking Expressions of feeling trapped Increased drug/alcohol use Withdrawal from friends, family, society Anxiety, agitation, inability to sleep, constant sleep Expresses no reason for living, no sense of purpose in life
Barren County Procedures Emergency Procedures Guide
Questions, Comments, Testimonials