Responding to a Depressed or Suicidal Student
If you suspect that a student has a problem with depression, take time to talk with him or her. The student may not even realize that he or she is suffering from depression. Listen to the student and make sure that he or she knows that you care. Help the student to understand that no matter how overwhelming his or her problems seem, help is available. Don't hesitate to ask students if they have thought about, intend, or have plans to commit suicide. You won't give them any new ideas, and you may save a life by asking. If the student admits to feeling suicidal, stay with him/her and get professional help immediately. Otherwise, refer the student to a school counselor or psychologist for further assessment. Make sure that the student's parents or guardians are informed of your concerns. You can also provide important support by helping to link the student's family with information and referral to community agencies.
When You're Concerned a Student May Be Suicidal
Ask directly if he or she is considering suicide. Ask whether he or she has made a specific plan and has done anything to carry it out. Explain the reasons for your concerns. Listen openly to the student, tell the student that you care and that no matter how overwhelming his or her problems seem, help is available.
Then, help the student to get professional help. Generally, schools have a counselor or psychologist designated who can carry out a thorough evaluation of the student and make appropriate referrals. Even if a student requests confidentiality, parents must be immediately notified of your concerns.
If the student will not talk with you or you are uncomfortable talking with the student, notify others, including the appropriate counselor or psychologist at your school and the student's parents, of your concerns and then follow-up to make sure that action was taken.
If a student has a detailed plan or appears acutely suicidal and will not talk, he or she could be in immediate danger and it is important to get help right away. Do not leave the student alone, and seek help immediately, getting him/her to a hospital emergency room if necessary.
For more information on the role of schools in suicide prevention, see:
- Preventing Suicide: A Resource for Teachers and Other School Staff (2000) - World Health Organization
- Guidelines for School-Based Suicide Prevention Programs (1999) - American Association of Suicidology
- Suicide Intervention in the Schools: Information for School Personnel (1999) - National Association of School Psychologists
- School Interventions to Prevent Youth Suicide - UCLA School Mental Health Project
See also Youth Suicide Risk Factors