Suicide Prevention

CASA Volunteers are often the only person a child trusts enough to talk openly about serious subjects.  When a child is thinking about suicide, you as a CASA, can play a critical role in keeping the child safe. 

First: You do not have to have special knowledge or skills to talk to the youth about what they are thinking – all you need to know is that if you sense that they are thinking about suicide you should not leave the youth alone.

Second: If you feel that the child is thinking about suicide, you must find a way to get the youth to a mental health professional – like a therapist or the social worker.  Make sure that they are taking it seriously and that they will do what is necessary to help the youth and keep them safe.   

Third: If you don’t know what else to do, call 911 and explain the situation.  Police can take the youth to a place that can watch them.

Fourth: Make sure that there are follow-up mental health services provided to the youth.

You can find more information here:

What to Do if You Thinks Someone is Having Suicidal Thoughts

The Wallet Card can be especially helpful as well.

Suicide Warning Signs

Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself

Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means

Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide

Feeling hopeless

Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge

Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities—seemingly without thinking

Feeling trapped—like there’s no way out

Increasing alcohol or drug use Withdrawing from friends, family, and society

Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time

Experiencing dramatic mood changes

Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life

(from www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org)

 

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