Social & Emotional Support Services

Know the Warning Signs

Pain isn’t always obvious. Yet most people who are considering suicide show some warning signs or signals of their intentions. The signs or changes in behavior may appear in conversations, through their actions, or in social media posts. These are of most concern if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. Some signs to look for include the following:

• *Threats or comments about killing themselves, such as “I wish I were dead” and “I won’t be around to deal with this much longer.”
• *Looking for a way to kill themselves
• Feeling desperate, trapped
• Increase in risky/reckless behavior
• Uncontrolled anger or aggressive behavior
• Increased drug and or alcohol use
• Anxiety or agitation
• Social withdrawal
• *Saying goodbye to family or friends
• *Giving away prized possessions
• Dramatic mood swings
• *Talking about feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, no sense of purpose
• *Talking, writing, posting on social media, or thinking about death.
• Changes in sleep

If you have or know anyone with these signs, contact your teacher or principal or report a concern using the Say Something link. If you feel unsafe or know someone who feels unsafe, please report it using the Say Something app link or by contacting your teacher or principal.

*If you see a warning sign, seek help immediately. It is important to remember the signs and risk factors listed are generalities. Not all students who contemplate or die by suicide will exhibit these kinds of symptoms, AND not all students who exhibit these behaviors are suicidal*

Board Policy

In accordance with AB 2246, TJUHSD provides suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention services to students, families, and staff members throughout the district. This includes education and awareness campaigns regarding warning signs and how to access help to parents, instruction to students at the secondary level, and staff training. The district’s policy also outlines our best practice approach to intervention and how we support students, families, and schools if a crisis does occur on one of our campuses.

Feeling connected to friends, family, and our community can be a protective factor for suicide. Care enough to create a safe space for your student. Parents, use this time to reach out to someone in your life and let them know that you are comfortable talking about anything they need, including suicide, and should they ever come to a point where they are questioning their reasons for living, you will be there to listen and support them. Creating this safe space at a time when there is no crisis is one way we can play a role in suicide prevention.

“Are you thinking about suicide?” These words can be difficult to say, but when it comes to suicide prevention, none are more important. Asking someone directly about suicide can be difficult; being direct allows the person to open up and talk about their feelings. Asking directly about suicide will not suggest the idea to them. It is through the act of listening, expressing concern, and providing reassurance that they will feel supported.

Start the conversation

• Have a list of resources available
• Practice what you will say
• Mention the signs you have noticed
• Ask directly about suicide
• If they answer “yes,” stay calm, do not leave them alone, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988

Listen, express concern, and reassure

• Listen and validate
• Let them know you care
• Actively listen: “Help me understand what life is like for you right now.”

Create a safety plan

• Ask about access to lethal means and help remove them if safe to do so
• Create a safety plan together
• Ask if they will refrain from using substances or agree to have someone monitor their use
• Get a verbal commitment that they will not act upon thoughts of suicide until they have met with a professional
• Limit access: Restricting access to lethal means, especially access to firearms, prescription drugs, and medications, is important in the prevention of youth suicide.
• Do not leave your child alone: Surround yourself with a support network or friends and family that can help as needed.

Get help

• Provide resources
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline anytime at 988 or 800-273-8255
• If the situation is critical, call 9-1-1, or take the person to the nearest emergency room or walk-in psychiatric clinic
• Reach out: Contact the school or mental health professionals if you are concerned about your child.

What NOT to say

• Do not ask in a way that indicates you want “No” for an answer, such as “You don’t really wanna die, do you?”
• Do not tell the person to do it.
• Do not show anger or frustration.
• Do not promise secrecy.

If you think someone is considering suicide, listen to your instincts and take them seriously. Do not leave them alone. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 at any time for assistance.