Suicide Prevention and Awareness

We recently lost our colleague and previous MDE State Director of ABE, Todd Wagner, to suicide. (You may read his obituary here.) His tragic loss has been devastating to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire ABE field. This is a time to raise awareness about suicide, become knowledgeable about mental health resources, and reduce stigma about this topic that is often seen as taboo by many.

Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death in Minnesota. Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, socioeconomic status or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of untreated depression and a sense of hopelessness. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious problems.

When individuals die by suicide, they leave behind friends and family to navigate the tragedy of loss. In many cases, those affected by a suicide loss are left in the dark about their loved one’s intent and sometimes feel guilty about what they might have done or not done that could have helped. Too often, the feelings of shame and stigma of suicide prevent people from talking openly about it.

Prevention is the key to ending suicide!  Learning to talk about it, asking questions of those making suicidal comments, and providing relevant resources are important skills to develop.

Warning signs that might indicate a higher probability of suicide:

• A major loss, such as job loss, divorce, or death of a loved one
• Financial insecurity
• Trauma
• Belief that problems are not solvable
• Unsolvable problems promote feelings of hopelessness
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Social withdrawal from family and friends
• Lack of a support network
• Dramatic mood swings
• Impulsive or reckless behavior not seen before
• Talking, writing, or thinking about death
• Giving away possessions
• A previous suicide attempt
• Threats or comments about ending their lives, such as “I wish I wasn’t here” or “Life is too hard”
• Easy access to tools needed to commit suicide, such as firearms or prescription medications

What you can do:

• 

  Connect and get to know your students.
  Let your students know you care.  Everyone needs social emotional support.

• Teach problem solving skills.
• Promote resiliency in managing life challenges, in spite of adversity.
• Share mental health resources and 24/7 crisis lines.
• Become educated about suicide prevention best practices and how to comfortably talk about suicide (see free courses below).

If you or someone you know is suicidal, call
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
(800)-273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately.