YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION

A Handout for Parents

Ariel Ellis, PPS Graduate Student
PREVALENCE
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth between 10 and 24 years of age.1
Most suicidal adolescents do not want to die, rather they want to end their psychological
pain.3 Fortunately, suicide is preventable and research indicates that most suicidal people
show warning signs to a family member or a friend.5 Having the knowledge and resources
to be able to recognize warning signs and intervene when necessary is crucial in preventing
suicide.5
WARNING SIGNS1

RISK FACTORS2

Loss of interest in things they once enjoyed

Drastic changes in behavior or mood
Withdrawal from friends and family
Neglect of personal appearance/hygiene
They sleep more or have difficulty sleeping
Frequent complaints of physical pain (i.e.,
headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, etc.)
Reckless with no concern for consequences
Substance abuse or increased substance use
Giving away of personal belongings
Suddenly cheerful after a period of depression
Talking about having no reason to live
Talking about suicide and death

Several factors can put a young person at risk for

suicide. It is important to remember though that
these risk factors are simply risk factors and they do
not always mean that a suicide will occur.

History of depression or other mental illness

Previous suicide attempt(s)
Family history of suicide
Alcohol or substance abuse
Easy access to lethal methods
Stressful life event or loss (death of a loved
one or sexual and/or physical abuse)
Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others
Barriers to access mental health treatment

MYTHS DEBUNKED
MYTH: Asking a person if they are suicidal will
put thoughts of suicide into their head and
increase the risk of the person actually taking
their life.
FACT: Studies have actually shown that asking
whether or not a person is thinking about
suicide and discussing the options may actually
act as a deterrent.7

MYTH: Educating teens about suicide leads to

increased suicide attempts.
FACT: When issues concerning suicide are
taught in a sensitive context, education does not
lead to, or cause, further suicidal behavior.
Education programs help students identify peers
at risk and help them receive the help they
need.3

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE CONCERNED6

ALGEE is a five-step action plan for

individuals to provide help to someone who
may be in a crisis. It is important to note,
however, that you should always seek
emergency medical help if the persons life is
in immediate danger.

Listen Nonjudgmentally

It is important to make the individual

feel respected, accepted, and
understood.
Avoid placing negative judgment on the
person through statements and facial
expressions.

Give Reassurance and Information

Assess for Risk of Suicide or Harm

Look for warning signs:

o If you notice warning signs, engage
the person in a discussion about
your direct observations.
Ask directly about suicide:
o Do not avoid using the word
suicide.
o You could ask, Are you having
thoughts of suicide? or Are you
thinking about killing yourself?
If you believe the person is not in
immediate danger then continue with the
rest of the steps.

Express concern for the individual

Express to them that you care
Voice hope for the individual

Encourage Appropriate Professional Help

Refer the individual to the school

counselor or school psychologist
Take the individual to their primary care
physician.

Encourage Self-Help and Other Support Strategies

Encourage the individual to engage in

strategies that contribute to their own
recovery and wellness such as exercise,
participating in peer support groups, etc.

WHEN AN ADOLESCENT THREATENS SUICIDE4

DO
Remain with the adolescent
Ask direct questions for clarity
Focus on the present
Actively listen
Remain calm
Ask adolescent if he/she has a plan
and access to carrying out that plan
Refer the adolescent to a mental health
professional

DO NOT
Leave the adolescent alone
Make promises you cannot keep
Focus on the past or future
Promise to keep secrets of threat
Try to convince the adolescent that
things arent that bad
Try to handle the situation alone
Hope the situation will resolve itself
without any mental health help

THREE QUICK TIPS FOR PARENTS8

Maintain a supportive and involved relationship with your child

Understand the warning signs and risk factors for suicide
Know where to turn for help

HELPFUL WEBSITES

www.walkinourshoes.org
www.suicideispreventable.org
www.sprc.org (Suicide Prevention Resource Center)
www.afsp.org (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
www.thetrevorproject.org (The Trevor Project)
CRISIS LINES

Text ANSWER to 839863

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255(TALK)
REFERENCES
1. Brock, S. E., & Sandoval, J. (1997). Suicidal ideation and behaviors. In G. Bear, K. Minke, &
A. Thomas (Eds.), Children's needs II: Development, problems and alternatives (pp.
361-374). Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.
2. Center for Disease Control (2012). Suicide prevention: Youth suicide. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pub/youth_suicide.html
3. King, K. A. (1999). Fifteen prevalent myths concerning adolescent suicide. Journal Of
School Health, 69(4), 159.
4. King, K. (2006). Practical strategies for preventing adolescent suicide. Prevention
Researcher, 13(3), 8-11.
5. King, K. A., & Vidourek, R. A. (2012). Teen depression and suicide: Effective prevention
and intervention strategies. Prevention Researcher, 19(4), 15-17.
6. Mental Health First Aid (2009). First aid strategies. Retrieved from
http://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/cs/first_aid_strategies
7. Popenhagen, M. P., & Qualley, R. M. (1998). Adolescent suicide: Detection, intervention,
and prevention. Professional School Counseling, 1(4), 30-36.
8. Suicide Prevention Resource Center (2012). Suicide prevention: Facts for parents.
Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC).