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KNOW THE SIGNS - SUICIDE PREVENTION

Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. Do everything in your power to get a suicidal person the help the person needs: call a crisis line for advice and referrals, encourage the person to see a mental health professional, help locate a treatment facility, or take them to a doctor's appointment. According to CASP (The California Association of School Psychologists) the possible symptoms of at-risk youth for suicide include:

  • An indication that there have been previous attempts at suicide.
  • Plans or attempts to secure a means for suicide.
  • Thinking or talking about suicide.
  • Scratching, cutting or marking the body.
  • Risk-taking behavior, such as running into traffic, jumping from heights, running away or general and unusual rebelliousness.
  • Withdrawal from friends, and family and regular activities.
  • Drug and alcohol use.
  • Unusual neglect of personal appearance.
  • Marked personality change.
  • Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork.
  • Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
  • Loss of interest in pleasurable activities.
  • Not tolerating praise or rewards.

A teenager who is planning to commit suicide may also:

  • Complain of being "rotten inside."
  • Give verbal hints with statements such as: "I won't be a problem for you much longer," "Nothing matters," "It's no use," "I won't see you again."
  • Put their affairs in order -- for example, give away favorite possessions, clean their room, throw away important belongings, etc.
  • Become suddenly cheerful after a period of depression.

If you are feeling suicidal right now of if you are concerned about someone, please call for help!

Contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Other resources:

Know the Signs

Suicide Prevention App

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