• Environmental risks (e.g., having a firearm in the house) • Previous suicide attempt • Family pathology and a history of family suicidal behavior • Chronic physical illness, including chronic pain • Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others Suicide Warning Signs Warning signs indicate an immediate risk of suicide. The following are observable behaviors that may indicate suicidal thinking: • often talking or writing about death, dying or suicide • Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless • Expressions of having no reason for living, no sense of purpose in life, saying things like “It would be better if I wasn’t here” or “I want out.” • Increased alcohol and/or drug misuse • Withdrawal from friends, family, and community • Reckless behavior or participation in more risky activities, seemingly without thinking Training Module on the Right to Mental Health in the Academe • Situations (e.g., death of a loved one, abuse, violence) • Dramatic mood changes • Talking about feeling trapped or being a burden to others Suggested Procedures If a school staff member recognizes suicidal ideations in a student, the following actions may be taken: • Ask the student directly if he or she is thinking of suicide. While people may be hesitant to ask, research shows this is helpful. • Keep them safe. Reduce access to lethal means for those at risk. • Be there with them. Listen to what they need. • Help them connect with ongoing support. • Stay connected. Follow up to see how they’re doing Critical/Emergency Situation • Call law enforcement or security if the student has access to means of committing suicide, if he/she has left the school and the plan to kill oneself is discovered, or if he/she is unwilling to make a plan to keep themselves safe. • Always stay with the student. The student should be endorsed to the parent/guardian and should immediately seek the help of mental health professionals. 20