Schools
in Wisconsin serve a role that is much larger than what is measured on
report cards and standardized assessments. In conjunction with state
law, each year the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) distributes
literature to schools about preventing youth suicide. The information
that is shared with school staff members focuses on the complexity of
youth suicide, warning signs for staff members to be aware of, and
instructions for what staff members can do when concerned about a
student. According to the DPI, teachers and other school staff are
well-positioned to observe student behavior and to act if there is a
suspicion that a student may consider self-harm. By working together
between our school and community, we can reduce the risk of youth
suicide in Menomonie.
Suicide
is a permanent solution to a temporary problem; but for kids, their
problems can seem endless at this stage. If we get them through the
crisis, there is a 90 percent chance that they will never attempt
suicide. ACT stands for Acknowledging feelings instead of minimizing them; Caring for the student by showing concern and taking the next step, and Telling a member of the school district’s crisis team, which often includes building principals and guidance counselors.
According
to the American Association of Suicidology (AAS), multiple factors are
involved when someone dies by suicide, and oversimplifying the reasons
someone takes their own life is not helpful. Research suggests factors
that might contribute to suicide include biological factors,
precipitating factors, and triggering events. Examples of biological
factors include mental illness or losing a family member to suicide.
Precipitating factors include poor grades, attending an unsafe school,
victimization, or family rejection. Crisis/triggering events include
experiencing a major loss, humiliation or bullying, and having access to
lethal means. Suicide is a complex problem that is often misunderstood
when oversimplified.
The
DPI literature states, “Suicide doesn’t usually happen out of the
blue—there are often warning signs for others to see or hear.” It is
suggested that everyone get the FACTs and know the suicidal thinking
signs of students, friends, and family members.
The “FACTs” from the AAS include:
- Feelings of hopelessness, rage, feeling trapped or having no sense of purpose in life.
- Acting
reckless or engaging in risky activities, withdrawing from friends,
family, and society, increased alcohol or drug use, and giving away
prized possessions.
- Changes
that include a decline in the quality of school work, dramatic mood
changes, anxiety, agitation, and a change of eating or sleeping habits.
- Threats that include threatening or talking about hurting self.
Local
mental health resources, including information about 24-hour crisis
assistance, are also available through the Dunn County Health
Department. The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program proclaims that
“It’s OK to Ask4Help!” by calling 1-800-273-TALK.
There
is a misconception that asking about suicide can cause a student to
attempt it. According to the Department of Public Instruction, this
issue has been thoroughly studied, and asking a student about suicidal
intent does not cause a student to attempt suicide. Additionally, state
law insulates all public and private school district employees and
volunteers from civil liability for their acts and omissions when trying
to intervene in a student’s possible suicide. The legislature found it
so important that adults take action when a student is suicidal that
they insulated those adults from civil liability for their efforts with
suicidal students.
Should
school stakeholders have any questions about Youth Suicide Prevention,
or anything else in our school district, I invite you to visit the
Administrative Service Center on Pine Avenue or contact me at
715-232-1642. More information about our schools can be found on the
school district website (www.sdmaonline.com) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/sdmaonline).
This column is another reminder of the same information that was shared last year.