Suicide & Depression Awareness and Prevention

SUICIDE AWARENESS

If you or someone you know is at risk of harming themselves or others, please call 911 immediately.

If you are having a non-emergency crisis and are in need of support, please reach out to the resources listed below, including:

COUNSLR: The IVC School District provides 24/7/365 access to online mental health professionals through Counslr.  Use the following link to download the app and chat or text with a mental health support specialist immediately.  App Dowload Page

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) or 1-800-442-HOPE (4673) or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text "TALK" to 741741 Toll-free, 24-hour, confidential hotlines which connect you to a trained counselor at the nearest suicide crisis center.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Text “HELPLINE” to 62640 between 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday, to connect with the NAMI HelpLine.  NAMI HelpLine is also available Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET by phone at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), via the “Chat with us” web widget, or by email at helpline@nami.org.

Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention

Youth suicide impacts the safety of the school environment. It also affects the school community, diminishing the ability of surviving students to learn and the school’s ability to educate. Suicide and depression awareness and prevention are important goals of the school district.

The school district maintains student and parent resources on suicide and depression awareness and prevention. Much of this information, including a copy of the school district’s policy, is posted on the school district website. Information can also be obtained from the school office.

• District Suicide & Depression Awareness and Prevention Policy

RESOURCES

If you need assistance, help is also available from the following organizations:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

• Safe2Help Illinois: Call 844-4-SAFEIL (723345) or Text SAFE2 (72332)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I am feeling hopeless and have had suicidal thoughts. Who can I talk to at school?

There are lots of people at school who want to help you!  School Adjustment Counselors, School Psychologists, School Nurses, Guidance Counselors, and Principals are all available to support your needs.  Please reach out in person to any of these people at school.

I am feeling hopeless and have had suicidal thoughts and school is not open. What should I do?

You should talk to a trusted adult at home about how you are feeling and together contact your primary care provider or therapist, and/or call 911.  If you feel you need immediate help and an adult is not available to help, you should call 911, be honest about what you are feeling and ask for help.

For a non-emergency crisis, some options are:

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) or 1-800-442-HOPE (4673) or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text "TALK" to 741741 Toll-free, 24-hour, confidential hotlines which connect you to a trained counselor at the nearest suicide crisis center.

• Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255  This hotline connects callers to trained crisis counselors. Their website is a 24-hour confidential hotline that offers details on how to call if you need help and how to identify suicide warning signs.

I identify as LGBTQ and have thought about suicide. What resources are available for me?

There are lots of people at school who want to help!  Your Teachers, Principals, Assistant Principals, School Nurses, Guidance Counselors, and Social Workers are all available to support your needs.  Please reach out in person to any of these people at school.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline recognizes that, "The LGBTQ+ community is diverse and strong, but may be disproportionately at-risk for suicidal feelings and other mental health struggles because of the discrimination and prejudice they too often are up against." Their website provides lots of information and resources for the LGBTQ+ community.

What are some of the warning signs of suicide?

According to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, "Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline."

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves

• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly

• Sleeping too little or too much

• Withdrawing or isolating themselves

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

• Extreme mood swings

I am concerned about a social media post made by someone I don’t really know well. What should I do?

You should talk to a trusted adult.  It can be tempting to try to handle the situation yourself, but it is always best to involve an adult who can help you think through the situation.

If you are worried that someone may hurt themself or someone else, you need to tell a trusted adult at school or at home as soon as possible.  If you are worried that there is immediate danger and there is not an adult available to talk to, do not wait, call 911 to get help.  

Knowing how to get help for someone posting suicidal messages on social media can save a life. Many social media sites have a process to report suicidal content and get help for the person posting the message.  

My friend shared some concerning information with me. What should I do?

When a friend shares information with you that is concerning, it can be stressful and leave you wondering what to do.  Listen to what they are telling you without judging them.  Tell your friend that you are concerned about what they shared with you and suggest that your friend go with you to talk to a trusted adult at school or home.  If they are not willing to do that, you should go talk to an adult by yourself.  It can be tempting to try to handle the situation yourself, but it is always best to involve an adult who can help you and your friend think through the situation.

If you are worried that your friend may hurt themself or someone else, you need to tell a trusted adult at school or at home as soon as possible.  If you are worried that there is immediate danger and there is not an adult available to talk to, do not wait, call 911 to get help.  

SUICIDE INFORMATION

The following information regarding suicide is from the The National Institute of Mental Health:

Suicide is a major public health problem and a leading cause of death in the United States. The effects of suicide go beyond the person who acts to take his or her life: it can have a lasting effect on family, friends, and communities.

What Is Suicide?

Suicide is when people direct violence at themselves with the intent to end their lives, and they die because of their actions. It’s best to avoid the use of terms like “committing suicide” or a “successful suicide” when referring to a death by suicide as these terms often carry negative connotations.

A suicide attempt is when people harm themselves with the intent to end their lives, but they do not die because of their actions.

Who Is at Risk for Suicide?

Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk.

The main risk factors for suicide are:

• A prior suicide attempt

• Depression and other mental health disorders

• Substance abuse disorder

• Family history of a mental health or substance abuse disorder

• Family history of suicide

• Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse

• Having guns in the home

• Being in prison or jail

• Being exposed to others' suicidal behavior, such as a family member, peer or media figure

• Medical illness

• Being between the ages of 15 and 24 years or over age 60

Even among people who have risk factors for suicide, most do not attempt suicide. It remains difficult to predict who will act on suicidal thoughts.

Are there protective factors for suicide?

The following are thought to be protective factors: 

• Connections to parents and other trusted adults

• School environment where the person feels safe and successful

• Neighborhood environment where the person feels safe

• Having close relationships with caring friends

• Resilience 

• Awareness of and access to local resources including health services

What Are the Warning Signs of Suicide?

The behaviors listed below may be signs that someone is thinking about suicide.

• Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves

• Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live

• Planning or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online, stockpiling pills, or newly acquiring potentially lethal items (e.g., firearms, ropes)

• Talking about great guilt or shame

• Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions

• Feeling unbearable pain, both physical or emotional

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Using alcohol or drugs more often

• Acting anxious or agitated

• Withdrawing from family and friends

• Changing eating or sleeping habits

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

• Taking risks that could lead to death, such as reckless driving

• Talking or thinking about death often

• Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy

• Giving away important possessions

• Saying goodbye to friends or family

• Putting affairs in order, making a will

If You Ask Someone About Suicide, Does It Put the Idea Into Their Head?

Asking someone about suicide is not harmful. There is a common myth that asking someone about suicide can put the idea into their head. This is not true. Several studies examining this concern have demonstrated that asking people about suicidal thoughts and behavior does not induce or increase such thoughts and experiences. In fact, asking someone directly, “Are you thinking of killing yourself,” can be the best way to identify someone at risk for suicide.

What Should I Do if I Am in Crisis or Someone I Know Is Considering Suicide?

If you or someone you know has warning signs or symptoms of suicide, particularly if there is a change in the behavior or a new behavior, get help as soon as possible.

Often, family and friends are the first to recognize the warning signs of suicide and can take the first step toward helping an at-risk individual find treatment with someone who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. If someone is telling you that they are going to kill themselves, do not leave them alone. Do not promise anyone that you will keep their suicidal thoughts a secret. Make sure to tell a trusted friend or family member, or if you are a student, an adult with whom you feel comfortable. You can also contact the resources noted below.