Suicide Awareness & Prevention
SPEAK UP Anonymous Tip Program
The district’s Speak Up program allows students, staff and parents the ability to send anonymous tips through a secure website, app or phone number. All messages are encrypted and routed through secure servers to protect the sender. The user is given an alias and a unique ID before the message is sent to the Speak Up Coordinator. This allows the user and the coordinator to have a two-way dialog without revealing the sender’s identity.
4 Ways to Submit an Anonymous Tip:
- Click Submit Tip to be taken directly to a secure tip reporting website.
- Download the P3 Tips app from the App Store of Google Play and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Download the Wichita Public Schools' mobile app and select the "Speak Up" icon.
- Call 316-267-2111.
Suicide Awareness and Prevention Video
Wichita Public Schools Resources
Warning Signs
There is no typical suicide victim. No age group, ethnicity, or background is immune. Fortunately, many troubled individuals display behaviors deliberately or inadvertently signal their suicidal intent. Recognizing the warning signs and learning what to do next may help save a life.
The Warning Signs:
The following behavioral patterns may indicate possible risk for suicide and should be watched closely. If they appear numerous or severe, seek professional help at once.
The following phone lines provides access to trained counselors, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741-741
COMCARE Crisis 660-7500
• Talking about suicide, death, and/or no reason to live
• Preoccupation with death and dying
• Withdrawal from friends and/or social activities
• Experience of a recent severe loss (especially a relationship) or the threat of a significant loss
• Experience or fear of a situation of humiliation of failure
• Drastic changes in behavior (i.e., sudden aggression, anger, or apathy)
• Loss of interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.
• Preparation for death by making out a will (unexpectedly) and final arrangements
• Giving away prized possessions
• Previous history of suicide attempts, as well as violence and/or hostility
• Unnecessary risks; reckless behavior
• Loss of interest in personal appearance
• Increased use of alcohol and/or drugs
• General hopelessness
• Recent experience humiliation or failure
• Unwillingness to connect with potential helpers
Feelings, Thoughts, and Behaviors
Nearly everyone at some time in his or her life thinks about suicide. Most everyone decides to live because they come to realize that the crisis is temporary, but death in not. On the other hand, people in the midst of a crisis often perceive their dilemma as inescapable and feel an utter loss of control. Frequently, they:
• Can’t stop the pain
• Can’t think clearly
• Can’t make decisions
• Can’t see any way out
• Can’t sleep eat or work
• Can’t get out of the depression
• Can’t make the sadness go away
• Can’t see the possibility of change
• Can’t see themselves as worthwhile
• Can’t get someone’s attention
• Can’t seem to get control
What Do You Do?
1. Be aware. Learn the warning signs listed on the first page.
2. Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
3. Ask if s/he is thinking about suicide.
4. Be direct. Talk openly and freely about suicide.
5. Be willing to listen. Allow for expressions of feelings and accept those feelings.
6. Be non-judgmental. Avoid debating whether suicide is right or wrong, whether someone’s feelings are good or bad, or on the value of life.
7. Avoid taunting the person or daring him/her to “do it”.
8. Avoid giving advice by making decisions for someone else to tell them to behave differently.
9. Avoid asking “why.” This only encourages defensiveness.
10. Offer empathy, not sympathy.
11. Avoid acting shocked. This creates distance.
12. Don’t keep someone else’s suicidal thoughts (or your own) a secret. Get help, silence can be deadly.
13. Offer hope that alternatives are available. Avoid offering easy reassurance; it only proves you don’t understand.
14. Take action. Remove anything that the person could use to hurt themselves means. Get help from individuals or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
Who Can You Talk To?
• A community mental health agency
• A private therapist
• A school counselor, psychologist or social worker
• A family physician
• A suicide prevention/crisis intervention center
• A religious/spiritual leader
If you or someone you know is severely depressed or actively suicidal, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-237-TALK (8255). Trained counselors in your area are standing by to provide you with the help you need. *Retrieved from: http://tspn.org/warning-signs
Suicide Proof Your Home
Suicide Proofing Your Home
The parent's Guide to keeping families safe
Is your Home Suicide-Proof?
Even if you think your child is not at risk for suicide, why take chances? These simple steps can help you suicide-proof your home and possibly save a teen's life.
This funding was provided under a grant number: 1 U97SM061764·01 from the Substance abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA or HHS.
How to Suicide-Proof
Remove Firearms For Now
• Ask a trusted friend or family member to keep it temporarily.
• Your local police precinct or shooting club might offer temporary storage.
• At the very least, lock them securely away from ammunition
Limit Medications
• Don't keep lethal doses on hand. A pharmacist can advise you on safe quantities.
• Consider locking up medications.
• Dispose of any medications you no longer need.
Provide Support
• The warning signs of suicide are not always obvious.
• Pay attention to your teen's moods and behavior.
• If you notice significant changes, ask them if they're thinking about suicide.
Medications
Lock and limit
Fact: Teens who attempt suicide use medications more than any other method.
Support
Listen and ask
Fact: Millions of kids and teens seriously consider attempting suicide every year.
Firearms
Remove. Lock.
Fact: Firearms are used in close to half of teen suicide deaths.
Help is Available if you're concerned that someone you care about is at risk of suicide.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24/7 free and confidential. 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
In Case of Emergency: Call 911 or visit your local emergency room.
One Father's Story
I used to always keep a gun in my house to protect my family. That is something I will regret for the rest of my life. My teenaged son shot himself in the head with my gun; the gun that was supposed to protect him. I kept it loaded in my nightstand drawer. I never thought that he'd take it and use it on himself. He seemed so happy, always surrounded by family and friends. He and his girlfriend broke up the night before. I knew it would be tough for him, but I figured that he'd be fine-it's all part of growing up. But he wasn't. When I found out what happened, I felt like I was responsible for putting that gun in the house and leaving it accessible to him.
If I did not have that gun in my house, my son might still be alive. I think about that every day.
Partners
Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network Tennessee Department of Health Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services
The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence is proud to continue this campaign, originally developed as a project of CPYV and the Rhode Island Department of Health.
Tips for Taking Care of Mental Health
Tips for Taking Care of Your Mental Health
Enhancing Good Brain Chemicals
- Exercise – as little as 10-20 minutes of aerobic activity are shown to improve mood (endorphins are released)
- Mindfulness –be present, meditate
- Good nutrition-In order to make dopamine, your body needs tyrosine which can be found in foods like almonds, bananas, avocados, eggs, beans, fish, and chicken. Even chocolate. Avoid foods such as sugar, trans-fats, cholesterol, and refined foods interfere with proper brain function and can cause low dopamine.
- Adequate Rest – 7-9 hours per night
- Music – Listening to music that you enjoy can release dopamine (makes us feel good)
- Get outside in the sun! - Get some vitamin D which helps to release dopamine
- Get more human contact – Hugs, shake hands… you can even snuggle your pet
- Do something creative
- Make a list or write down your goal - and check off your accomplishments
- Take a cold shower
Coping Strategies
- Spend time with family or friends
- Keep a regular routine
- Spend time in nature for 30 minutes a day
- Positive Self Talk – For example, telling yourself that it will get better or that this feeling won’t last for forever
- Write down your personal goals
- Make your home safe
- Make time for things that bring you joy
- Learn to deal with stress in a healthy way – exercise, meditate, deep breathing
- Learn skills to manage conflict – problem solving, conflict resolution and nonviolent ways of handling disagreements
- Access professionals - mental health, physical health and substance abuse services
Avoid
- Being alone
- Drugs and alcohol
- Doing things that make you feel worse – listening to sad music, reading old letters, visiting a loved one’s grave
- Focusing on negative thoughts – Find a distraction, give yourself a break from the stressful thoughts
Healthy Social Media Use
Using social media can affect mental health. For example, it can cause increased anxiety, depression and isolation; it can damage relationships; can interrupt sleep; and can be a way that we waste our time, causing a loss of productivity.
To help establish healthy social media use:
- Limit where and when you use social media – Don’t check social media when with family or friends
- Have ‘detox’ periods - Schedule regular breaks from social media to lower stress and lead to higher life satisfaction
- Pay attention to what you do and how you feel
- Approach social media mindfully
- Prune (unfollow, mute or hide)
- Stop social media from replacing real life
If someone you know is thinking about suicide, you can help by staying with them, listening to them, and getting them help. Stay, Listen, Get Help.
24/7 help is free and confidential for anyone in distress.
Crisis Text Line: 741-741
Chat: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
The Trevor Project Lifeline (LGBTQ): 1-866-488-7386
Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
References:
- “Are You Feeling Suicidal?” helpguide.org, www.helpguide.org/articles/suicide-prevention/are-you-feeling-suicidal.htm
- Cohut, Maria. “Is It Time You Went on a Social Media Detox?” medicalnewstoday.com, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321498.php#1
- Kecmanovic, Jelena. “6 Ways to Protect your Mental Health from Social Media’s Dangers.” theconversation.com, www.theconversation.com/6-ways-to-protect-your-mental-health-from-social-medias-dangers-117651
- “Risk and Protective Factors” cdc.gov, www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/suicide/riskprotectivefactors.html
- Santos, Glenn. “33 Ways to Increase Dopamine to Boost Your Productivity.” Helloendless.com, helloendless.com/10-ways-to-increase-dopamine-to-boost-your-productivity/
Call 988 or go to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Crisis Text Line
Text HELLO to 741741
Free, 24/7, Confidential
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Available 24/7 1-800-273-8255
suicidepreventionlifeline.org