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Recognizing and Responding to Teen Distress

Adolescent suicide is a serious public health problem. The suicide rate among children aged 15-19 is 300% higher than in the 1960s, making it the third leading cause of death in this age group, exceeded only by unintentional injury and homicide (National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, 2002). All staff can learn to recognize and respond to students who may be depressed, distressed or having thoughts of suicide.

Teachers, school staff, and anyone who routinely works with youth can beneficially affect the outcomes of teen distress when they know how to:

Recognize

• Early warning signs such as difficulties in school, low self-esteem, change in sleeping or eating patterns, use or abuse of drugs or alcohol, overly self-critical, low energy , or withdrawal from normal activities.
• Late warning signs such as neglecting personal appearance, talk of suicide or death, isolation from friends and family, conduct problems, aggressive behavior, extreme anxiety, agitation, or self-injury, expressions of hopelessness or desperation, refusal of help, giving away prized possessions.

• Speak privately
• Engage in a calm, supportive way
• Listen
• Show empathy
• Be direct
• Ensure the student's safety
• Know how to contract a crisis team member

Here is what you get online:

• Streamed Video - watch examples of appropriate and inappropriate staff responses to teen distress.
• Graphic Printables - read summaries and tips about  youth suicide prevention.
• Journals - reflect and write about applying the strategies to your own situation.
• Knowledge Checks - reinforce your learning with a short questionnaire after each module.
• A Certificate of Completion is emailed to you when you finish the program. Continuing Education Credits soon available.

Audience

Designed for teachers and staff, grades 7-12; school psychologists & counselors; all educators

Developers

Developed by IRIS Media, Inc. and Laura Backen Jones, Ph.D.

Resources

• Recognize the Signs of Suicide (.pdf)
• Respond to Teen Distress (.pdf)
• Myths & Facts of Teen Suicide