Suicide Prevention
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Suicide Prevention Week (September 9-13, 2024) is a time when individuals and organizations around the country and the world join their voices to broadcast the message that everyone can play a role in suicide prevention and to remember loved ones lost to suicide. The annual suicide prevention week activation kit can be found by clicking here. This link also includes resources in Spanish. Be well, be safe, we care about you.
Solana Beach School District strives to provide safe school environments with positive climates that promote the healthy mental, emotional and social development of all students. If students are feeling unsafe or having thoughts of suicide or if they suspect or have knowledge of another student's suicidal intentions, they are encouraged to notify a teacher, principal, school counselor, school psychologist, or other adult. Every statement regarding suicidal intent is taken seriously.
Whenever a staff member suspects or has knowledge of a student's suicidal intentions, based on the student's verbalizations or act of self-harm, they shall promptly notify the principal, school psychologist or school counselor.
Risk Factors and Warning Signs
Suicide affects people throughout the community. Research shows that during our lifetime 60% of us will be 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, Solana Beach 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 youth students, and LGBTQIA students.
Students who have exposure to or experience sexual, physical or verbal abuse, bullying or cyberbullying, chronic pain or major physical illness, recent severe stressors, social isolation, or loss of a peer through suicide are also at high risk.
Indicators of distress to look for at home and in school that could indicate a higher risk for suicide include: (Look for changes in behavior, duration and severity, not just isolated symptoms)
Academic Indicator
Physiological Indicator
Physical Indicator
Safety Risk Indicators
Sudden decline in quality of work and grades
Self-disclosure of personal distress that could include family problems, depression, grief, or thoughts of suicide
Marked changes in physical appearance, including deterioration in grooming hygiene or weight loss/gain
Unprovoked anger or hostility
Repeated absences/tardies
Excessive tearfulness, panic reactions, irritability, or unusual apathy
Excessive fatigue/sleep disturbance
Making implied or direct threats to harm self or others
Disturbing content in writing or presentations (e.g., violence, death)
Verbal abuse (e.g., taunting, badgering, intimidation)
Disoriented or “out of it”
Academic assignments of extreme hopelessness, rage, worthlessness, isolation, despair, acting out, suicidal ideations, or violent behaviors
Continuous classroom disruptions
Expressions of concern about the student by their peers
Cuts, bruises or other injuries
Increased need for sessions with the school counselor
Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 800-273-TALK (8255)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.San Diego Access and Crisis Line - 888-724-7240 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day)
California Peer Warm Line - 855-845-7415 is a non-emergency resource for anyone is California seeking emotional support. They provide assistance via phona and webchat on a nondisriminatory basis to anyone in need.
Boys Town Hotline - 800-448-3000. The Boys Town National Hotline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is staffed by specially trained Boys Town counselors. It is accredited by the American Association of Suicidology (AAS)
San Diego Warm Line for San Diego Residents 800-920-9276 or 619-295-1055. Available 7 days a week 4 to 11 p.m., except Holidays
NAMI San Diego Family and Peer Support Helpline - 800-523-5933 or 619-543-1434. Contact the Helpline for any general information about support groups, register for classes, find resources, or speak to a friendly person who understands. M-F, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Trevor Project - 866-488-7386. the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13 to 24.
San Diego County Behavioral Health Services
San Diego County Office of Education – Student Support Services and Suicide Prevention Resources
Solana Beach School District Suicide Prevention Policies
