SUICIDE PREVENTION
SUICIDE PREVENTION TEAM
The suicide prevention team is made up of dedicated high school students who want to help those who are thinking about suicide. The team is trained in suicide prevention efforts and sponsors school events to help raise spirits and bring awareness to challenges students face.
Activities the Suicide Prevention Team Sponsors:
Holiday basketball tournament/activity
Yearly cookout
End of the year fun day
Various fundraisers
SEEING THE SIGNS
Recognizing the tell-tale signs of suicide and acting fast is an important way for anyone to save a life. Some of the signs are subtle while others are obvious and being able to see them can allow you to help the person who is contemplating the decision. Here is a list of many symptoms that you should look for if you suspect that someone is considering suicide:
Excessive sadness or moodiness: Long-lasting sadness, mood swings, and unexpected rage.
Hopelessness: Feeling a deep sense of hopelessness about the future, with little expectation that circumstances can improve.
Sleep problems.
Sudden calmness: Suddenly becoming calm after a period of depression or moodiness can be a sign that the person has made a decision to end his or her life.
Withdrawal: Choosing to be alone and avoiding friends or social activities also are possible symptoms of depression, a leading cause of suicide. This includes the loss of interest or pleasure in activities the person previously enjoyed.
Changes in personality and/or appearance: A person who is considering suicide might exhibit a change in attitude or behavior, such as speaking or moving with unusual speed or slowness. In addition, the person might suddenly become less concerned about his or her personal appearance.
Dangerous or self-harmful behavior: Potentially dangerous behavior, such as reckless driving, and increased use of drugs and/or alcohol might indicate that the person no longer values his or her life.
Recent trauma or life crisis: A major life crises might trigger a suicide attempt. Crises include the death of a loved one or pet, divorce or break-up of a relationship, diagnosis of a major illness, loss of a job, or serious financial problems.
Making preparations: Often, a person considering suicide will begin to put his or her personal business in order. This might include visiting friends and family members, giving away personal possessions, making a will, and cleaning up his or her room or home. Some people will write a note before committing suicide. Some will buy a firearm or other means like poison.
Threatening suicide: From 50% to 75% of those considering suicide will give someone -- a friend or relative -- a warning sign. However, not everyone who is considering suicide will say so, and not everyone who threatens suicide will follow through with it. Every threat of suicide should be taken seriously.If you recognize any of these symptoms, act fast to try to get to the bottom of why this is happening. If you know the person, talk to them about why they are behaving this way and let them know that you care; just having someone that the person can talk to about their problems can alleviate some of the tension and stress pent up inside them. Every situation is dynamic however so if this does not work, then another option is to seek help by calling 911 or 211 for assistance on the manner while keeping a close eye on the person.