For Youth
Youth Suicide
"More teens die from suicide than cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, strokes, pneumonia, influenza and lung disease combined."
- 1999 U.S. Surgeon General's Call to Action
In 2003, suicide was the third leading cause of death for youth aged 15-24 in the United States. In New Mexico suicide is ranked as the 2nd leading cause of death for youth aged 15-24.
Suicide shouldn't be a secret.
Know the warning signs. Tell someone!
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call:
1-866-435-7166
or
1-800-273-TALK
or 911
Warning Signs for Suicide
(The more signs observed, the greater the risk.)
- Talking about wishing to die or suicide threats
- Making final arrangements or suicide plans
- Recent suicide attempt by a friend or family member
- Previous suicide attempt
- Increased drug or alcohol use
- Prolonged depression
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Taking unnecessary risks
- Access to gun/purchasing a gun or stockpiling pills
- Lack of connection to family or friends
- A recent breakup with a boy or girlfriend
- Failing in school
- High academic achievement
View the Public Service Announcement from The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: "Secret"
Click Here
You Can Prevent Suicide!
Trust your feelings that a person may harm him or herself. If you are worried about the possibility of suicide, show concern. Don't be afraid to ask the person directly about their intentions.
Never keep a secret! Don't wait. GET HELP!
You can help. . .
- Reassure the person that help is available and that you will help him/her get help.
- "Together I know we can figure something out to make you feel better."
- "I know where we can get some help."
- "I can go with you to where we can get help."
- "Let's talk to someone who can help... Let's call the crisis line now."
- Encourage the suicidal person to identify other people in his/her life who can also help.
- Parent or other family member
- Friend
- Favorite teacher
- School counselor/School Based Health Center
- School nurse
- Religious leader
- Family doctor
- EAP
- If your friend won't go for help, YOU TELL AND GET HELP!
Tell your parent, school counselor, friend, or parent. Tell someone until they listen and get support for your friend. Suicide is not a secret you can keep.
Schools:
Schools play an active role in suicide prevention of youth. It is difficult to ask schools to do one more thing on top of an already heavy load of responsibilities. However, the truth is that many teachers, staff and administrators may be the first to notice warning signs, and thus save a life.
All schools are required to have a suicide protocol in place per the Safe Schools Act. All staff and teachers need to know warning signs and where to refer any students they are concerned about. This information should be updated on a yearly basis and it is helpful if teachers and staff are reminded of warning signs and suicide protocol at least twice a year. This can be done in teacher/staff meetings or with a flyer handed out in mailboxes.
Many schools now have School Based Health Centers and Mental Health staff. Have them educate staff of warning signs and protocol.
In the event of a suicide, it is critical to have adequate postvention services for all students and staff in order to identify others who may be feeling suicidal or at risk.
Lots of information is available and free; and many people are able to help with any of the above.
Helpful Resources for Youth Suicide Prevention:
- Youth Suicide Prevention School Based Guide
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center-Click under evidence based prevention programs
- SafeYouth Prevention Resource Center
- Youthwork links and Ideas Health
- The Jason Foundation
- The Jed Foundation
- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- The American Association of Suicidology
- www.save.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
New Mexico Supports:
Agora Crisis Line
1-866-help-1-NM or 1-866-435-7166
www.agoracares.org
DOH/ Office of School and Adolescent Health
Norma Vasquez, Suicide Prevention Coordinator
505-222-8678
norma.Vasquez@state.nm.us
OSAH has Mental Health Advocates who serve the entire state, call for your contact.
The Jason Foundation
Susie Kimble
1-505-882-3500
Susie.kimble@psysolutions.com
www.jasonfoundation.com
New Mexico Suicide Intervention Project (NMSIP)
Cynthia Gonzales
1-505-820-1066
NMSIP@aol.com
Contact The New Mexico Suicide Prevention Coalition
For more statewide information:
1-505-401-9382
Email
Information for this page came from The American Foundation for Suicide.
