If A Student Is Threatening Suicide You Should ____

If a Student is Threatening Suicide, You Should ACT

Suicide is a devastating tragedy, and when a student threatens to take their own life, it demands immediate and serious attention. It's not something to be taken lightly, dismissed, or ignored. The consequences of inaction can be irreversible. This article will guide you through the crucial steps to take if a student confides in you about suicidal thoughts or exhibits concerning behaviors. We'll explore the importance of active listening, knowing the resources available, and understanding the legal and ethical considerations involved.

Recognizing the Signs: Understanding Suicidal Ideation

Before we delve into the actions to take, it's crucial to understand the signs of suicidal ideation. These signs can be subtle or overt, and recognizing them is the first step towards intervention. Students contemplating suicide may exhibit some or all of the following:

Verbal Clues:

• Direct statements: "I want to die," "I'm going to kill myself," or similar explicit statements should be taken extremely seriously.
• Indirect statements: "I wish I wasn't here," "Life's not worth living," or "I'd be better off dead" are indirect expressions of suicidal thoughts and require careful attention.
• Giving away possessions: A student unexpectedly giving away prized possessions can be a significant warning sign.
• Sudden changes in mood: Dramatic shifts from happy to deeply depressed, withdrawn, or irritable warrant immediate concern.

Behavioral Clues:

• Increased isolation: Withdrawal from friends, family, activities, and school.
• Changes in sleep patterns: Significant insomnia or excessive sleeping.
• Changes in appetite: Significant weight loss or gain.
• Self-harm: Cutting, burning, or other forms of self-injury.
• Increased risk-taking behavior: Engaging in reckless activities, like substance abuse or dangerous driving.
• Preoccupation with death and dying: Expressing fascination with death, funerals, or suicide methods.
• Sudden improvement in mood: While seemingly positive, a sudden shift from extreme despair to an unusually calm demeanor can indicate a finalized suicide plan. This is because the student might feel relieved they have made a decision.

Immediate Actions: What to Do When a Student Threatens Suicide

When a student confides in you about suicidal thoughts, your immediate response is paramount. Remember, your role is not to solve their problems but to get them the help they need.

1. Listen Empathetically and Without Judgment:

• Create a safe space: Ensure the student feels comfortable and understood. Let them know you're there to listen without interrupting or judging.
• Active listening: Focus intently on what the student is saying, both verbally and nonverbally. Use verbal and nonverbal cues to show you're engaged (e.g., nodding, maintaining eye contact).
• Validate their feelings: Acknowledge their pain and suffering. Phrases like, "That sounds incredibly difficult," or "I can understand why you're feeling this way," can be very validating. Avoid minimizing their feelings.
• Ask direct questions: If you're unsure about the severity of their thoughts, ask direct but sensitive questions, such as, "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" or "Do you have a plan to end your life?"

2. Assess the Immediate Danger:

• Identify the level of risk: Based on the student's statements and behavior, determine the immediacy of the danger. Are they actively planning suicide? Do they have access to lethal means?
• Do not leave the student alone: If the student is expressing imminent suicidal thoughts or exhibiting dangerous behavior, do not leave them alone. Stay with them until help arrives.

3. Seek Immediate Professional Help:

• Contact emergency services: If the student is in immediate danger, call emergency services (911 or your local equivalent) immediately.
• Contact school counselors or administrators: Inform school personnel immediately, providing details about the student's situation. They can provide support and facilitate access to further resources.
• Contact parents or guardians (with student's permission): If the student agrees, contact their parents or guardians to inform them of the situation and collaborate on providing support. However, if the student is in immediate danger, contacting emergency services should be your priority.

4. Document Everything:

• Record the conversation: Write down the date, time, location, and details of the conversation with the student. Include direct quotes and observations of their behavior. This documentation is crucial for future reference and potential intervention.
• Keep a record of all contacts: Note the date and time of all calls made to emergency services, school personnel, parents, and any other relevant individuals or agencies.

Long-Term Support and Prevention: Moving Forward

Addressing a student's suicidal thoughts is not a one-time event. It requires ongoing support and proactive strategies to prevent future crises.

1. Connect the Student with Professional Help:

• Therapy: Therapy can provide a safe and confidential space for the student to process their emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and work through underlying issues contributing to their suicidal thoughts.
• Psychiatric evaluation: A psychiatrist can assess the student's mental health, diagnose any underlying conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety), and prescribe medication if necessary.
• Support groups: Connecting the student with peer support groups can provide a sense of community and shared experience, reducing feelings of isolation.

2. Develop a Safety Plan:

• Identifying warning signs: Work with the student to identify their personal warning signs and develop a plan for managing these signs when they emerge.
• Developing coping mechanisms: Help the student develop healthy coping strategies for managing difficult emotions, such as stress management techniques, mindfulness practices, or engaging in enjoyable activities.
• Creating a support network: Connect the student with trusted friends, family members, teachers, or mentors who can provide ongoing support.
• Establishing a crisis plan: Develop a detailed plan outlining the steps to take if the student experiences a suicidal crisis, including contact information for emergency services and support people.

3. Promote Mental Health Awareness in Schools:

• Education and training: Schools should provide education and training to staff members on recognizing the signs of suicidal ideation, effective intervention strategies, and available resources.
• Mental health programs: Implement school-wide mental health programs that promote positive mental well-being, stress management, and resilience.
• Create a supportive and inclusive school environment: Foster a school culture that encourages help-seeking, reduces stigma surrounding mental health issues, and promotes inclusivity and empathy.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

When dealing with a student's suicidal ideation, it's important to be aware of the legal and ethical considerations:

• Mandated reporting: In many jurisdictions, educators are mandated reporters, meaning they have a legal obligation to report suspected child abuse or neglect, which can include suicidal ideation if it's related to abuse or neglect.
• Confidentiality: While maintaining confidentiality is important, it's not absolute when a student's life is at risk. Prioritize the student's safety and well-being, even if it means breaching confidentiality to seek help.
• Informed consent: When sharing information with parents or guardians, obtain the student's informed consent whenever possible, unless there is an immediate risk of harm.
• Professional boundaries: Maintain professional boundaries while providing support. Avoid becoming overly involved in the student's personal life, and refer them to appropriate professionals for ongoing support.

Conclusion: You Are Not Alone

Responding to a student's suicidal threat can be challenging and emotionally demanding. However, remember that you are not alone. Many resources are available to support you and the student. By taking immediate action, seeking professional help, and promoting mental health awareness, you can play a vital role in saving a life and making a positive impact on a student's future. Your swift response and compassionate care can be the difference between life and death. Don't hesitate; act decisively and save a life. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, both for the student and for you.