Training Module on the Right to Mental Health in the Academe MODULE 4 Special Concerns Activity 1. Discussing Suicide Purpose: To discuss one of the leading causes of death among school-age youth Materials: PowerPoint, projector Time: 30 minutes Instruction: Discuss the concept of suicide, risk factors, warning signs, and procedures when an educator is faced with a person contemplating suicide. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among school-age youth. The incidence of suicide attempts reaches a peak during the mid-adolescent years, and mortality from suicide, on the other hand, increases steadily through the teen years. Warning signs of distress can sometimes be seen and picked up by those close to the patient. Suicide is much more common in adolescent and young adult males than females. However, many of the risk factors are the same for both sexes. The school plays a pivotal role in suicide prevention and must integrate suicide prevention in their mental health services. School staff should be familiar with warning signs of suicidality and foster an environment where students feel safe to broach this topic. School mental health practitioners, such as counselors and administrators should be familiar with suicide intervention skills. Suicide Risk Factors Suicide risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that an individual will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. These include: • Mental illness (e.g., depression, conduct disorders, substance use/ abuse) • Family stress/dysfunction 19