The information listed below is taken from the sources that are linked under the information.

Suicide is the leading cause of death among school-aged youth, but it is often preventable. Young people who are considering suicide typically exhibit warning signs of their distress. Parent/guardians, school staff, and friends play a crucial role in recognizing these signs and seeking help.

Warning signs of suicide:

• Intense focus on death or dying in conversation or writing
• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Lack of purpose in life or reported lack of reason to live
• Giving away possessions
• Saying goodbye to friends, family, or social media followers
• Recklessness or engagement in risky behavior (Including substance use)
• Avoidance or withdrawal from friends, family, or activities
• Isolation
• Feeling of being a burden
• Anger, rage, or seeking revenge
• Deep feelings of grief, guilt, or shame
• Feeling “empty” or “trapped”
• Anxiety or agitation
• Demonstrating extreme emotions or mood swings
• Has a plan to end life or is seeking access to means to end life
• Changes in physical condition/routines (Illness, eating patterns, hygiene)
• Verbal threats or threatening behavior

It’s essential to never dismiss these warning signs. When adults and students in the school community prioritize suicide prevention, and are equipped to take appropriate action, we can support youth before they resort to irreversible actions.

LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse children can be more at risk for suicide. For more information on supporting LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse children, see the SPS LGBTQ+ Support Resources page or The Trevor Project Resources page.

For more information about suicide warning signs, explore the links below:

• SPS Suicide Ideation One-Pager
• Risk Factors, Protective Factors, and Warning Signs – AFSP
• Suicide Risk and Protective Factors – CDC
• Tips for Parents and Educators – NASP
• Suicide Warning Signs – SAMHSA
• Warning Signs of Suicide – SPRC

Self-harm refers to when a person hurts their own body on purpose. Some teens say that when they hurt themselves, they are trying to stop feeling lonely, angry, or hopeless (SAMHSA).

Signs that self-harm might be occurring:

• Unexplained scars or scabs
• Fresh cuts, bruises, bite marks, or burns
• Wearing long sleeves or pants, even in hot weather
• Feelings of worthlessness or helplessness
• Possession of sharp objects
• Frequent reports of accidental injury
• Emotional or behavioral instability or unpredictability

For more information about the signs of self-harm behavior, explore the links below:

• SPS Self-Harm One-Pager
• Self-Harm – SAMHSA
• What Is Self-Harm? – NAMI

Use the LEARN strategy to support your child who may be experiencing distress or suicidal ideation:

1. Look for signs. Be aware of the warning signs of suicidal ideation and self-harm behavior.
2. Empathize and listen. Validate your child’s feelings and express statements that show empathy and understanding.
3. Ask directly about suicide. All research indicates that asking direct statements like “Are you wanting to kill yourself?” does not increase the likelihood of suicide and allows caregivers to understand the needs of their child.
4. Remove the dangers. Lock up medications, firearms, or other potential means of injury, or temporarily removed them from the home.
5. Next steps. There are several resources available to Washington and King County residents for supporting a child with suicide ideation. If you are concerned about a child or adolescent, contact any of the resources below. If you think a child is at immediate risk of suicide, call 911 immediately for help.

Crisis Connections
Call: 206-461-3222
Text: “Home” to 741741
Crisis Connections

The Lifeline
Call: 988
Text: 988
Chat: Chat with 088 Lifeline
The Lifeline

HearMeWA
Call: 888-537-1634
Text: “HearMeWA” to 738477
HearMeWA

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+)
Call: 1-866-488-7386
Text: Text anything to 678678
Chat: Chat with the Trevor Project
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+)

For more information about supporting a child or adolescent with suicide ideation or self-harm behavior, see the following documents:

• SPS Suicide Ideation One-Pager
• SPS Self-Harm One-Pager

There are several protective factors that can help prevent youth from suicide ideation or self-harm behavior:

• Access to mental health care. Being proactive about mental health can prevent suicide. For more information about mental health services available at your school, contact your school’s school counselor, school social worker, or prevention and intervention specialist.
• Feeling connected to family and community. Having an adult who they can trust can prevent youth from having suicide ideation or from self-harming behavior. Checking in with your child for even 15 minutes per day will let them know you’re there for them.
• Problem-solving and coping skills. Coping and problem-solving skills can alleviate pressures and emotions that lead to self-harm and suicide ideation.
• Cultural beliefs. Encouraging connection and help-seeking, creating a strong sense of purpose, and discouraging suicidal behavior can prevent suicide.
• Locking up medications and firearms. If your family owns firearms, or if there are prescription medications in your home, use a safe or lockbox to store them. See more information about safe storage on the SPS Prevention and Intervention page.

For more information about preventing suicide and self-harm in youth, explore the links below:

• SPS Suicide Ideation One-Pager
• SPS Self-Harm One-Pager
• Risk Factors, Protective Factors, and Warning Signs – AFSP
• Suicide Risk and Protective Factors – CDC
• Resources for Families and Schools – Forefront
• Risk of Suicide – NAMI
• Self-Harm – NAMI
• Tips for Parents and Educators – NASP
• Preventing Suicide – SAMHSA
• Suicide Prevention for American Indians and Alaska Natives – SAMHSA
• Resources – The Trevor Project
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center
• Suicide Prevention – WA State Department of Health