The LIGHT Post
Sponsored by the Garland ISD LIGHT Program
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH
In the U.S. a suicide is committed every 14 minutes and is the second leading cause of death in youth ages 10-24. Females attempt more than 3 times as often as males. Males die by suicide more than 4 times that of females. LGBTQ youth are often at a higher risk for suicide than their heterosexual peers.
BE FAMILIAR WITH WARNING SIGNS
8 out of 10 people who kill themselves give some sort of a warning or clue to others, even if it is something subtle. Watch for:
- Withdrawal from family and friends or changes in activities and friends
- Anger, irritability, or other mood changes
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Decline in school performance
- Outcries of suicide thoughts - verbally, in writing or artwork
- Substance abuse
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS
- Psychiatric or mental health conditions
- Substance abuse, including tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs
- Previous suicide attempts
- Victims of bullying, especially cyberbullying
- LGBTQ youth
- Family history of suicide
- Access to firearms
WHAT SHOULD AN EDUCATOR DO?
- When students say they feel this way, ALWAYS take them seriously.
- Dont' leave them alone or let them go anywhere alone.
- Contact a counselor, administrator or SRO immediately.
- If you think a student may be suicidal, ASK! Be safe, not sorry! If you feel uncomfortable talking with the student, contact a counselor, adminstator or SRO. They have been trained to handle these situations.
CRISIS NUMBERS
Suicide Crisis Center Hotline
1-800-273-TALK
Crisis Text Line
Text Hello to 741741
LGBTQ
The Trevor Hotline
1-866-488-7386
Prepared by Julie Coleman, LPC
Student Assistance Counselor
Garland ISD LIGHT Program