Possible Precipitating Events of Suicide (Causes of Distress) Family Problems: Changes in a family Loss of job by parent Death of a family member or abandonment Life threatening disease Constant arguments within the family or family violence Separation/divorce or marital instability New family, blended or step-family Physical/sexual abuse or neglect from parents Parent alcohol/drug Overprotecting/overindulging/being isolated from parents Poor communication between parents and children Excessive responsibility for sibling care School Problems: Loss of status (e.g., failure to make the team) Unreasonable expectations (pressures to from parents, school and self, straight A’s, job, play sports, etc.) Lack of support from parents Unsafe environments (gangs, bullies) Personal Problems: Loss of a close friend through rejection, moving away, death/suicide Loss of a romantic relationship Loneliness/isolation Embarrassment/humiliation Peer pressure (drugs, truancy, sex) Poor coping skills Unintended pregnancy Succession of multiple problems Alcohol and drug abuse Distress over sexual identity Victim of sexual assault AVOIDING COMMON ERRORS We have already listed some specific steps to be taken by school personnel once the possibility of suicide is apparent. However, there are some common errors that individuals should avoid in dealing with a possible suicidal student. Do not reassure the suicidal person that everything will be all right. The student already feels hopeless and is convinced that the situation will never improve. It is more helpful to point out that these hopeless feelings will pass if something is done about them now.
Possible Precipitating Events of Suicide (Causes of Distress) Family Problems: Changes in a family Loss of job by parent Death of a family member or abandonment Life threatening disease Constant arguments within the family or family violence Separation/divorce or marital instability New family, blended or step-family Physical/sexual abuse or neglect from parents Parent alcohol/drug Overprotecting/overindulging/being isolated from parents Poor communication between parents and children Excessive responsibility for sibling care School Problems: Loss of status (e.g., failure to make the team) Unreasonable expectations (pressures to from parents, school and self, straight A’s, job, play sports, etc.) Lack of support from parents Unsafe environments (gangs, bullies) Personal Problems: Loss of a close friend through rejection, moving away, death/suicide Loss of a romantic relationship Loneliness/isolation Embarrassment/humiliation Peer pressure (drugs, truancy, sex) Poor coping skills Unintended pregnancy Succession of multiple problems Alcohol and drug abuse Distress over sexual identity Victim of sexual assault AVOIDING COMMON ERRORS We have already listed some specific steps to be taken by school personnel once the possibility of suicide is apparent. However, there are some common errors that individuals should avoid in dealing with a possible suicidal student. Do not reassure the suicidal person that everything will be all right. The student already feels hopeless and is convinced that the situation will never improve. It is more helpful to point out that these hopeless feelings will pass if something is done about them now.
0031_01082016_Staff-handbook-2015-16.docx