NIXA PUBLIC SCHOOLS:SUICIDE INTERVENTION

& PREVENTIONStatistics, interventions and resources for

students and parents

SUICIDE: What are the statistics? National suicide statistics: In 2013, there were 41,149 suicides in the U.S.

(112.7 suicides/day, 1 suicide every 12.8 minutes)

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S.

Males complete suicide at a rate of 3.5x that of females. However, females attempt suicide 3x more often than males

Suicide rates are the highest among those aged 45-54, white males and Native Americans

Suicide is the SECOND leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds behind accidents and before homicides

Missouri ranks 18th in the nation for its rate of reported suicides (2013) as compared to 22nd in 2010

Missouri Suicide Statistics: (include Lost and Found info)

SUICIDE: What are the risk factors for youth?

The 2011 Youth Risk and Behavior Survey found that in the previous 12 months among high school students:

*15.8% seriously considered suicide

*12.8% made a plan for suicide

*7.8% attempted suicide 1 or more times

*2.4% made a suicide attempt that had to be treated by a doctor or nurse RISK FACTORS: mental illness, substance abuse,

firearms in household, previous suicide attempts, non-suicidal self-injury, exposure to friends/family members’ suicide, low self-esteem, parental history of violence, trauma or abuse, psychiatric hospitalization, frequent mobility, history of violent/impulsive/reckless behaviors, stress (academic etc.)

Missouri Suicide Statistics: (include Lost and Found info)

SUICIDE: What are we seeing in Nixa?

Elementary: spectrum of extreme behavioral issues such as acting out and withdrawal; desensitization to violence (video games, movies, television)

Junior High/High School: Increase in the number of students talking about suicide and seeking help from counselors More acceptable to discuss, but may be used to

manipulate at times Parents are referring students (often students other

than their own children) Issues often related to suicidal ideation: substance

abuse, parental relationships strained or dysfunctional, lack of healthy coping skills (drugs, sex, cutting), unresolved sexuality issues, depression/anxiety (mental illness)

Missouri Suicide Statistics: (include Lost and Found info)

Nixa Public Schools…

What are we doing to address suicide prevention?? The school district provides certified school counselors in each

building Two staff members received suicide prevention training

through NPS At-Risk funding and are utilized to provide training to staff and students

Outside speakers have been brought in to speak to students and parents and public forums and opportunities have been provided for community education in the past

There is a commitment to continue to make suicide prevention an important component of the district’s professional development plan

Suicide Prevention Training… “QPR”-Question, Persuade, Refer The “QPR” method of suicide prevention is not a form

of therapy! ANYONE can use this intervention! Warning signs: verbal/non-verbal, situational QUESTION: Directly or indirectly, ask the person if

they have thought about suicide PERSUADE: Listen to the person (do not judge) and

reassure them that you want them to live and you will try to help them get the help they need

REFER: Find others they trust and help build a circle of support, help-lines, counselors, clergy, doctors, mental health agencies and emergency resources, etc.

WHO CAN I CALL?

Call your child’s school counselor!!!

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES:Local Crisis numbers: *Burrell ACI Crisis Line-1-800-494-7355 or 761-5555 (Access Crisis Intervention (ACI) *Burrell Crisis Line-417-761-5555 (toll free: 1-800-494-7355)*1-800-273-TALK (8255)*1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)*911 (or physically take person to the emergency room)*If there is a therapist already involved, try to contact that person if possible

Websites:*www.hopeline.com*http://dmh.mo.gov/ (Mo Department of Mental Health)*www.apa.org (American Psychological Association)*www.suicidology.org*www.stopasuicide.org

Information on depression:*www.nami.org (National Alliance on Mental Illness)*www.helpguide.org*www.apa.org*www.suicidology.org