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Suicide Prevention and Intervention

Suicide is one of the most urgent public health challenges facing our communities today. Its causes are complex and influenced by many factors, but the goal of prevention is clear: reduce risk factors and strengthen protective factors that build resilience. Effective prevention requires a comprehensive approach that involves individuals, families, schools, and society as a whole (Centers for Disease Control, 2019). Each year, nearly 45,000 Americans lose their lives to suicide. The most powerful way to prevent these tragedies is by recognizing the warning signs early and knowing how to respond when they appear. Together, we can create safer environments, support mental health, and save lives.

Warning Signs can include:

  • Threatening to hurt or kill themselves
  • Increased alcohol and drug use
  • Having rage, anger, or seeking revenge
  • Social withdrawal from friends, family and the community
  • Dramatic mood swings
  • Talking, writing, or thinking about death
  • Impulsive or reckless behavior
  • Expressing hopelessness, no reason for living, or having no sense of purpose in life

Protective Factors

Protective factors are personal or environmental characteristics that help protect people from potential suicide.

Major protective factors for suicide include:

  • Effective behavioral health care
  • Connectedness to individuals, family, community, and social institutions
  • Life skills (including problem-solving skills and coping skills, ability to adapt to change)
  • Self-esteem and a sense of purpose or meaning in life
  • Cultural, religious, or personal beliefs that discourage suicide

 

  • A suicide assessment occurs when a student expresses suicidal thoughts or is referred to a school-based mental health staff (School Counselor, School Social Worker, or School Psychologist) with concerns for his or her safety. This includes verbal and/or written statements made at school, on social media, or in the community.

    The purpose of this assessment is to make recommendations for the safety and mental health support of the student. After a suicide assessment is completed, the parent or guardian will be notified.

    If the suicide assessment indicates a high level of risk despite the use of de-escalation strategies, administration & student services will connect with the Mobile Response Team and law enforcement. MRT will support the team at the school with problem-solving student needs and determining the next steps. If the risk is such that a student’s well-being is in jeopardy, MRT and/or law enforcement will make the determination if an involuntary examination is warranted according to the Baker Act Florida Statute 394.463

     

    American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

  • This screening tool should not be considered a replacement for clinical evaluation of suicide risk.

    Suicide Assessment Tool

  • A safety plan is designed to guide your child through a mental health crisis. The purpose of a safety plan is to provide the support to prevent another mental health crisis, in the future. A member of the student services team from your child’s school can assist in developing a safety plan. If your child is receiving support from a mental health professional, that provder can assist in developing a safety plan, as well.