Suicide Prevention

Help Is Available

If there are concerns about a student’s emotional or mental health, a referral should be made to an appropriate mental health professional for assessment, diagnosis, and possible treatment. Mental health resources that may be available include the following:

• School-based mental health professionals

• Counselors in each school building

• Community mental health providers and clinics

• Human Service Center Crisis Line

• Emergency psychiatric screening centers

• UPMC Jameson Hospital, Sharon Regional Health System, Southwood Psychiatric Hospital, Belmont Pines Hospital, Clarion Psychiatric Center, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic

• Children’s mobile response programs Pediatricians and primary care providers can also be a source of mental health referrals. Many are also well-versed in recognizing and treating mental health conditions like depression.

There is no single cause of suicide. Suicide most often occurs when stressors exceed the coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition.

Warning Signs

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 talking to an adult or 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

Risk Factors make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can’t cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they’re important to be aware of.

• Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders

• Alcohol and other substance use disorders

• Hopelessness

• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies

• History of trauma or abuse

• Major physical illnesses

• Previous suicide attempt(s)

• Family history of suicide

• Job or financial loss

• Loss of relationship(s)

• Easy access to lethal means

• Local clusters of suicide

• Lack of social support and sense of isolation

• The stigma associated with asking for help

• Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment

• Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma

• Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)

Protective Factors are the positive conditions, personal and social resources that promote well-being and reduce the potential for youth suicide and other related high-risk behaviors. The following actions decrease risk factors and promote resiliency.

• Connections and contact with a caring adult

• A sense of connection or participation in school, whether in activities or a social group

• Positive self-esteem and coping skills

• Access to and care for mental/physical/substance abuse disorders

• Decision-making skills

• Positive relationship with peers

• Emotional and behavioral management

• Conflict resolutions skills

Dear Ellwood City Community,

Our students continue to grieve the completed suicides in our community, and our students continue to be affected by these tragedies. Members of our crisis team continue to be available to the students to provide support and help them cope. We assess those students who are at risk for suicide.

You will find information and resources about suicide below, along with some talking points that can be helpful to you in discussing this issue with your teen. PLEASE TALK WITH THEM.