Suicide Prevention

We know that suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S. among 10-24 year-olds (CDC, 2019), and we want to do everything possible to support the mental wellness of our students and prevent self-harm of any kind. We are committed to the prevention and identification of youth who may be at-risk of suicide in accordance with Assembly Bill 2246. This bill mandates that districts with grades 7 to 12 have a policy in place that addresses prevention, intervention, and postvention. Thoughts of suicide are an indication that someone is struggling with depression that is a treatable medical illness, and we want to make sure all students have access to resources and caring adults who will help when times get tough.

 

Prevention involves teaching the importance of mental health and how to maximize protective factors, so students know what to do when struggling. Suicide prevention is everybody’s business, and anyone can help prevent the tragedy of suicide.

 

Risk factors include:

Previous suicide attempt

Depression, history of family depression

Drug and/or alcohol abuse

Non-suicidal self-Injury

Conduct disorder

Disruptive and unsupportive family

Relationship conflicts

Poor coping skills

Availability of lethal means

 

Personal Factors that put a person at higher risk include:

 

Bullying

Schoolwork problems

Physical, sexual, or psychological abuse

Chronic illness or disability

Impulsivity/risk-taking

Body image concerns

LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning) youth

Perfectionism

 

 

Protective Factors Include:

 

An important person in a youth’s life

Good coping skills

Supportive, caring family

Interests and activities

Cultural and religious beliefs

Connection

Academic success

Willing to seek adult help

Access to mental health care

Positive school environment

 

How to help a student at-risk

 

Click the “Student Request for Intervention and Supports” link on your school’s website and report concerns

 

 

After reporting for additional supports, the following list of activities reinforces hope and resilience:

 

1) evoke positive feelings—muscle relaxation, meditation, watch a comedy show, focus on beautiful scenery, make art, listen to an audiobook or TED Talk, hug a loved one

 

2) foster hope and seek help by reaching out to a trusted adult

 

3) find inspiration from others—use quotes and pictures as reminders

 

4) create a meaning collage of things that matter 

 

If you know of someone who is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

 

             1-800-273-8255

Or text HELLO to 741741 to get access to a crisis counselor

 Or call the Kern Crisis Hotline

800-991-5272