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Preventing Suicide Network Helping those who help others

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What to look for as a Teacher

Introduction

Youngsters and teens can send mixed signals with words and actions that baffle and even alarm adults. By better understanding the signs of mental illness, depression and potential for harm to self or others, teachers can be better equipped to help students.

The example below helps to illustrate this point further:

"He's a smart kid: An excellent writer. But he was making poor choices. He was getting into trouble in the classroom and was given in-school suspension. 'I really want to do well,' he told me. But I just can't seem to get going.' It appeared that he didn't care how he did, but at the same time wanted desperately to care."

-30-year high school English teacher about a 15-year old student

The Facts

Understanding some of the basic facts about suicidal behavior and mental illness, like depression, and young people, can help with understanding how to best communicate and take proper action (Reference 4):

Suicide is a preventable tragedy, one that often occurs as a result of untreated depression.
Teens who abuse alcohol or drugs are likely self-medicating a depressive mood disorder or other mental illness...

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References for What to look for as a Teacher

Case Study

The following clinical example illustrates how a teacher might encounter a veiled threat and the subtle signs and symptoms associated with a suicidal student.

Marianne is an 8th grade teacher in the local middle school. She has a student, David, who has her stumped. David began the year as a quiet, subdued, and passive young man. He did his work, but did not participate or interact with the other students.

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Resources

Electronic, print, and multimedia resources are provided to help you to find additional authoritative information on What to look for as a Teacher. These resources are available from such national organizations as The National Institute of Mental Health as well as professional organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and educational institutions.

Internet

National Education Association Health Information Network (NEAHIN)

The NEAHIN is not-for-profit health affiliate of the National Education Association, and provides health information to 2.7 million educational employees and the more than thirty million students it serves.

The NEAHIN Web page on “Warning Signs in Youth” is available at the following Web address:

http://www.neahin.org/programs/mentalhealth/warning.htm

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What to look for

>>Myths

>Professional resources