SUICIDE RATES BY AGE
High School Suicide Prevention
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Suicide is a leading cause of death amongst
high school age students. Unlike many other
leading causes of death, suicide is 100%
preventable by promoting awareness and
integrating prevention strategies. 2
HIGH SCHOOL STATISTICS
Nationwide statistics of suicidal behavior, notice
N
a stark contrast between the prevalence of
female and male suicidal behavior.
A closer, more personal look at the suicide
risk and behaviors of high school students
in Massachusetts.
Emily Bassett
Bridgewater State University
WARNING SIGNS
Use the acronym:
IS PATH WARM 4
Ideation (thoughts about suicide/death)
Substance Abuse (alcohol and drugs)
Purposelessness (Worthless or a burden)
Anxiety
Trapped
Hopelessness (No hope for the future)
Withdrawal (social/family isolation)
Anger (Aggressiveness)
Recklessness (risky behavior)
Mood Changes
Remember that not all warning signs
may be present or visible for
someone to be at risk for suicide2.
• Maintaining a safe school
environment is a vital part of
a school's overall mission.
• Suicide can affect the entire
school community.
RISK FACTORS
Risk factors are any attributes,
characteristics, or exposures that can
increase the likelihood of suicide in an
individual2.
Risk factors can vary across diverse
populations. A comprehensive look at risk
factors specific to young adults is necessary
to provide effective prevention2.
Not all risk factors need to be present for
someone to be at risk for suicide2.
EFFECTIVE PREVENTION STRATEGIES
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Suicide Prevention is best when using
a comprehensive approach:3
1. Promote emotional wellbeing and
connectedness among all students
2. Identify students who may be at
risk and assist them in getting help.
3. Be prepared to respond to when a
suicide death occurs
Acknowledgements
1
Beyond Blue Ltd. (2018). [Risk factors for young adults]. Retrieved June 2, 2018, from
https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/ age-13/mental-health-conditions-in-young-
people/suicide/risk-factors-for-suicide
2
Cramer, R. J., & Kapusta, N. D. (2017). A Social-Ecological Framework of Theory,
Assessment, and Prevention of Suicide. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1756.
http://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01756\
3
Goldston, D. B., Walrath, C. M., McKeon, R., Puddy, R. W., Lubell, K. M., Potter, L. B., &
Rodi, M. S. (2010). The Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Suicide Prevention Program. Suicide &
Life-Threatening Behavior, 40(3), 245–256. http://doi.org/10.1521/suli.2010.40.3.245
Joiner, T. (2011). Myths about suicide. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
4
Suicide Prevention Resource Center. (2018). [Leading causes of death and high school
5
suicide rates]. Retrieved from http://www.sprc.org/