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Suicide Prevention

Suicide is Preventable.

Most suicides occur due to some form of mental condition, such as depression or a substance abuse disorder. These conditions are treatable and suicide is preventable.

Know the Signs
The more warning signs the greater the risk.

Talk About It
Asking the suicide question does not increase the risk.

  • Ask directly - "Are you thinking about killing yourself?"
  • How you ask the question is less important than that you ask it.
  • Talk to the person alone in a private setting.
  • How not to ask the question - "You're not suicidal are you?"

Suicide is not the problem, only the solution to a perceived insolvable problem.

  • Listen to the problem and give them your full attention.
  • Offer help in any form.
  • Then ask, "Will you go with me to get help?" or
  • "Will you let me help you?" and
  • "Will you promise not to kill yourself until we've found some help?"

Get Help
Any willingness to accept help at some time, even if in the future, is a good outcome.

• Call 911 if you believe they are in immediate danger of harming themselves.
• The best referral involves taking the person directly to someone who can help.
• The next best referral is getting a commitment from them to accept help, and then making the arrangements to get that help.

The National Suicide PREVENTION LIFEline (l-800-273-8255) is a free 24-hour hotline available to anyone in suicidal crises or emotional distress. The LIFEline has referral information specific to each community.

• The third best referral is to give referral information and try to get a good faith commitment not to complete or attempt suicide.

Source: Douglas County Suicide Prevention Alliance

LIFELINE
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides a 24 hour crisis line for those who are thinking of suicide. They also help those who are feeling hopeless or helpless or know someone that is.

Metro Crisis Line
888-885-1222
Metro Crisis Services offers a hotline for those struggling with a mental or emotional problem, getting into trouble with drugs or alcohol, having family or relationship problems, or problems at work or school. Support and guidance is free and confidential.

Safe2Tell
877-542-SAFE (7233)
SAFE2TELL is designed to help YOU anonymously report any threatening behavior that endangers you, your friends, your family, or your community.

Our Programs
The Douglas County School District takes suicide prevention very seriously. We work very closely with local law enforcement and non profit organizations in our community to educate our stakeholders and provide support to those in need.

Related Articles

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Suicide is Preventable - Here's How to Help

Many people may not realize that suicide is the second leading cause of death for middle and high school-aged students, as reported by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This is surpassed only by “unintentional injury.” Suicide is preventable, though. Four out of five teens who attempted to end their lives have given clear warning signs or “invitations” to those around them to engage. That means that in 80 percent of cases, we have an opportunity to intervene and save a young person’s life. Read more

Sources of StrengthSuicide Prevention in Our Schools

A fairly new partnership between DCSD’s Prevention & School Culture team and Douglas County Teen Court coordinators is providing a new path for youth offenders, and Sources of Strength— now present in most DCSD high schools and some middle schools— is establishing a healthy culture and climate with the goal of catching youth long before they fall into unhealthy behaviors or consider taking their own lives. Read more

SmartphoneThe Role of Social Media

Two teens in neighboring school districts recently took their own lives. Both boys posted on social media just before their deaths, panicking friends who tried to help but could not save them. Read more

Community Crisis ConnectionWhat Happens When You Call for Help?

One of the concerns that prevents individuals from speaking up when they are having suicidal thoughts is the fear of what happens next. The mystery of how that plays out can be scary. Read more