Risk Factors and Warning Signs

Suicide affects people throughout the community. Research shows that during our lifetime 60% of us wille personally know someone who dies by suicide and 20% of us will have suicide within our immediate family. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-24. In response, Ocean View School District has procedures in place to identify and support students who may be at risk.

Some factors that put students at a higher risk for suicide include: mental illness, substance abuse, aggressive tendencies or impaired impulse control, access to a firearm, suicide in the family, history of suicide attempts, students with disabilities, homeless and foster students. LGBTQI students. Students who have exposure to or experience sexual, physical or verbal abuse, chronic pain or major physical illness, recent severe stressors, social isolation or loss trhough auicide are also high risk.

These signs, especially if multiple signs are evident or are new or have increased may indicate a greater suicide risk: statements of hoplessness and/or helplessness, threatening suicide and making a plan, giving away possessions/putting affairs in order, decrease in performing or functioning, risk taking behaviors, social/emotional withdrawal, writing or drawing about suicide, or saying goodbye.