Parent Resources
Suicide Prevention
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among youth in Wisconsin. For students age 10-14, Wisconsin’s suicide rate is 5th highest in the US (dpi.wi.gov).
Early Warning Signs:
Urgent Warning Signs
Common Suicide Myths and Realities:
Myth: Asking a student how they are doing or if they have had thoughts about harming themselves will bring on thoughts of suicide. Reality: Students are already thinking about and completing suicide. Carefully talking about the topic and getting students to help are keys to preventing suicide.
Myth: Students won’t be honest when asked if they need help. Reality: Students who are having thoughts about suicide are usually scared and want help. No one truly wants to die.
Myth: Only pupil service professionals can/should help a suicidal student. Reality: Everyone in school can help prevent youth suicide by connecting students to appropriate helping professionals.
Suicide Prevention Resources:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – www.afsp.org
Suicide Prevention Resource Center – www.sprc.org
Mental Health America of Wisconsin – www.mhawisconsin.org
Helping Others Prevent and Educate About Suicide – www.hopes-wi.org
- DPI Website created “Especially for Parents” (http://dpi.wi.gov/sped/hmparents.html)
- Autism Society of America (www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer)
- Family Village (www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/index.html)
- Family Village Community Center – WI Resources (www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/comm/wisconsin.html)
- The National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities –
NICHCY (www.nichcy.org/Pages/Home.aspx) - CESA #10 Website (www.cesa10.k12.wi.us/)
Suicide Prevention
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among youth in Wisconsin. For students age 10-14, Wisconsin’s suicide rate is 5th highest in the US (dpi.wi.gov).
Early Warning Signs:
- Decline in quality of school work
- Social Withdrawal
- Changes in personality and mood
Urgent Warning Signs
- Threats about hurting self
- Talking about a specific plan
- Violent actions, rebellious behavior
- Hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness
Common Suicide Myths and Realities:
Myth: Asking a student how they are doing or if they have had thoughts about harming themselves will bring on thoughts of suicide. Reality: Students are already thinking about and completing suicide. Carefully talking about the topic and getting students to help are keys to preventing suicide.
Myth: Students won’t be honest when asked if they need help. Reality: Students who are having thoughts about suicide are usually scared and want help. No one truly wants to die.
Myth: Only pupil service professionals can/should help a suicidal student. Reality: Everyone in school can help prevent youth suicide by connecting students to appropriate helping professionals.
Suicide Prevention Resources:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – www.afsp.org
Suicide Prevention Resource Center – www.sprc.org
Mental Health America of Wisconsin – www.mhawisconsin.org
Helping Others Prevent and Educate About Suicide – www.hopes-wi.org