GLS Procedure
Who assesses a student after they exhibit suicidal behavior?
Therapist
Does a history of adoption increase risk for suicide?
Yes
True or false: Suicide attempts are rarely preceded by stressful events/social stressors (whether they are anticipated, perceived, or actual)
False- Common stressful events/social stressors
Potential loss of a relationship
Legal or disciplinary problems, and interpersonal conflict
Sudden loss of freedom
Victim of assault or bullying
Recent experience of humiliation, shame, loss
Bullying
Victim of abuse or neglect/witnessing violence in the home
Poor peer relationships
How should you position yourself when responding to a student who has made suicidal statements or gestures?
Arms at your sides, not crossed, on your hips, or behind your back.
Give space and do not tower over them
True or false: Standard supervision is for all students
True
Who do you notify if a student makes a suicidal statement or gesture?
At the center- Building coordinator
Group home- PC or PC on call
Name 3 behavioral warning signs
•Increased risk-taking behavior
•Giving things away
•Saying goodbye to others
•Signs of increased depression (e.g. slower movement, withdrawal, crying, poor hygiene)
•Acute anxiety/agitation
•Themes of death or depression in reading, conversation, artwork
•Preoccupation with violence on TV, comics, video games, Internet
What are recent events resulting in cues that a crisis is unfolding?
A warning sign
Name 5 protective factors for student
Hope for the future
Religious or spiritual beliefs
Involvement in school programing, recreation, and work
Orientation towards the future
Access to mental health services
Health and stable family connections
Foster altruism or an increased sense of contributing meaningfully to others and society
How often do you document a students behavior on precautions?
Every 15 minutes
True or false: Students are assessed for suicide risk shortly after admission
True
Name 3 risk factors
•Family history of suicide or suicide attempts
•History of adoption
•Male gender
•Parental mental health problems
•LGBTQ
•History of physical or sexual abuse
•Personal mental health problems: sleep disturbances, depression, bipolar, substance abuse/use, psychosis, PTSD, panic attacks, history of aggressive behavior, impulsivity, severe anger, and pathologic internet use
What is a characteristic or attribute that reduces the likelihood of attempting or completing suicide?
a protective factor
Name 3 protective factors that exist due to the environment at GLS
•Our heightened supervision of the students at GLS – we always know their whereabouts.
•Reduced capability/restriction of lethal means (i.e. medication locked, no sharp objects, no access to alcohol/drugs, etc.)
•Staff trained in First Aid, CPR, MANDT, Ukeru
•Staff trained in relationship based models of care including Trauma Informed Care and put an emphasis on relationship building
What level of supervision requires we remove potentially dangerous items from students rooms?
Visual and constant one on one
Who has a suicide safety plan?
All students who are considered to be at risk for suicide
Name 3 verbal warning signs
•“I’ve decided to kill myself.”
•“I wish I were dead.”
•“If you don’t ____, then I will kill myself.”
•“You won’t see me tomorrow.”
•“I’m getting out of here one way or another.”
•“Tell Ms. Smith goodbye for me.”
•“My family would be better off without me.”
What is an on going unchanging characteristic such as family history?
A risk factor
A student who has made a suicidal statement is throwing items and expressing anger and frustration, what should you do?
Validate their emotions. Validating their emotions simply means you can understand why they are feeling that way, it does not mean condoning inappropriate behaviors that coincide.
How often can the level of supervision be decreased?
Once per day
If a student does not have a safety plan and they make a suicidal statement, what supervision level will they be placed under?
Visual
Name 3 things that make the population we serve high risk
•Disability- Disabled people are much more likely to die by suicide than non-Disabled people
•Age- Suicidal behavior the second leading cause of death for youth (15 to 24 years old) in the United States behind accidents/road traffic. Children tend to show a shorter stress-suicide interval, less planning, and lower suicidal intent.
•Gender- Statistics show that males are more likely to complete suicide, while females are more likely to attempt but not complete.
•Cognitive immaturity, aggressive behavior, and age-related impulsivity are major developmental factors that effect a persons risk or suicide
What is the second leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds.
Suicidal behavior the second leading cause of death for youth (15 to 24 years old) in the United States behind accidents/road traffic
How is suicide viewed by the student making statements or gestures?
As a solution. Provide hope in any form and be sure that the student knows you are there to support them and want to be helpful.
What levels of supervision can a student go off grounds?
Standard supervision
Close supervision at the discretion of *licensed professional staff*