Suicide Prevention and Support
Unfortunately, often Middle School is a time when friendships change quickly, hormones kick in, students get more responsibility, and other life changes happen much more rapidly than they are ready for. Sometimes students don't think there is a way out, so they start thinking about suicide. A couple of things parents should remember when talking to their students about suicide: It is all about how the student sees the situation, now how we see it. You may not see their situation as serious, but they do. Secondly, often parents say their kids are doing this for attention. That may be true, but they might actually kill themselves trying to get attention. Even if you think it is for attention, treat it as a serious concern. Finally, seek help. Talk to the school counselor, a doctor, or a therapist about the situation. Don't assume it will go away or get better.
Below I have added some resources to help you understand suicide in teens, and to help you if your child is considering suicide.
Below I have added some resources to help you understand suicide in teens, and to help you if your child is considering suicide.
Urgent Care
If your child is actively trying to kill him or herself, call the police. If your child is talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill him or herself, you can call one of the mobile assessor numbers or call the school and talk to the school counselor. Just so you understand: if you call the counselor, the counselor will do an initial evaluation, and if they feel the child is at risk, they will ask your permission to call a mobile assessor as well. Regardless which way you go, you need to get guns and other means of killing themselves out of the house - not just locked up. Research shows that students are very likely able to get into gun safes and other measures that parents think are protected. Also, don't leave the child alone. Talk to them about what is going on, but don't judge.
Vantage Point
4253 Crossover Road
Fayetteville, AR
1-800-545-Hope
4253 Crossover Road
Fayetteville, AR
1-800-545-Hope
Springwoods Behavioral Health
1955 W. Truckers Drive
Fayetteville, AR 72704
1-888-521-6014
1955 W. Truckers Drive
Fayetteville, AR 72704
1-888-521-6014
Suicide and Depression Hotline
If you are unsure what to do, you can call the suicide hotlines below and talk to someone.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
If you click on the link, there is online chat available as well.
1-800-273-8255
If you click on the link, there is online chat available as well.