By Dr. Rex Casiple
Student suicide is a serious problem. There are signs to watch and there are ways for prevention.
In California, USA, the Teens for Life Program curriculum was developed through collaborative efforts of the teachers, students, and clinical staff. The one-hour curriculum, taught by trained personnel, features information on reducing stigma towards mental disorders and help-seeking behavior; recognizing warning signs of depression and suicide; and seeking help for yourself or a friend in crisis. It is commendable to adopt this curriculum here in the Philippines.
The common factors of suicidal distress are psychological, environmental and social. These include mental illness, such as, depression, conduct disorders, and substance abuse; family stress/dysfunction; the presence of firearms and other deadly weapons at home; and situational crises, such as, traumatic death of a loved one, physical or sexual abuse, bullying, etc.
These factors vary with age, gender, family dynamics and stressful events in life. Most of the suicidal youths showed signs of suicidal thinking, such as, saying of statements of direct or indirect self-killing; posting suicidal notes and plans; had shown suicidal behavior before; making final arrangements, such as, funeral arrangements or writing a last will; changes in behavior, appearance, thoughts or feelings; among others.
Furthermore, studies showed that the possible warnings of suicide are recent loss through death, divorce, separation, or broken relationship; changes in personality, in behavior, in sleep patterns and in eating habits; fear of losing control; low self-esteem; and no hope for the future thus believing things will never get better, or that nothing will ever change.
Parents and teachers should be aware of these signs and get help as needed. They should give emphasis to these signs. They can give actions earlier to help their vulnerable children or students in committing suicide.
When these signs occur to our children or students we have to remain calm and focus concern for them; avoid being accusatory; listen to their problem and reassure them that there is help and they will not feel like this forever; do not judge, and provide constant supervision. Do not leave them alone; remove means for self-harm; and get help from a school psychologist or mental health professional, or community mental health resources as soon as possible.
Aside from the teachers, all school staff members should be familiar also with, and watchful for, risk factors and warning signs of suicidal behavior. School psychologists and other crisis response team personnel, including the school guidance counselor and school administrator, should be trained to intervene when a student is identified at risk for suicide.
Parents are vital members of a suicide risk assessment. If there is a sign of suicide from their children they should take it seriously. They should have constant access to school supports and maintain their communication with the school on the progress of their children.
The presence of some strong factors can lessen the risk of suicidal ideation and behaviors. These include family support and bonding; peer support and close social networks; school connectedness; cultural or religious beliefs that discourage suicide and promote healthy living; adaptive coping and problem-solving skills, including conflict-resolution; general life satisfaction, good self-esteem, sense of purpose; and easy access to effective medical and mental health resources. Overall, these youths at risk should be reminded that there are people in their lives who care about them. Care at home, at school, or ideally everywhere they go should be provided to them.
“The youth is the hope of our fatherland”. This is a famous statement of our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal that defines the importance of the youths in the development of the country. These are no longer statements but challenges to all of us! That is to educate and empower the majority of the youths, the hope of our fatherland! We should save the lives of our youths at risk.
