Suicide & Grief 2012
Grief & Loss Summary
It is important to be aware of the differences that exist developmentally for students experiencing grief and loss. What is typical and atypical are also important facets for counselors to be cognizant of. Best practices for working with these groups are discussed. Certain counseling activities can be utilized across ages, while others are more applicable to specific school levels. A list of these activities, categorized by elementary, middle, and high school is included under "Helpful Documents". A list of website resources is available under “Websites.”
Youth Suicide Summary
Many youth suicides occur between ages 12-14, while incidents increase again in late teens. In terms of patterns, girls are more likely to have suicidal ideation while boys’ ideation more often results in completed suicide. The rates are highest among Native American youth.
Risk factors include personal characteristics, such as psychopathology (namely depression), prior attempts, LGBTQ, history of suicide in family, adverse life circumstances, and access to lethal means.
Protective factors include family cohesion, religiosity, restricting access to means, peer support, pets, and sound emotional regulation.
Best practices for assessing risk are included as well as a SADPERSONS scale to help throughout the process. This tool is particularly useful with older students, and both are available under "Helpful Documents." Prevention as a tier 1 effort is crucial and related resources are provided below. Support is also available for counselors who are responding to a school crisis, such as suicide. A list of website resources is available under “Websites.”
The entire presentation on Grief & Loss/Suicide is available under “Powerpoint February 2012.”
It is important to be aware of the differences that exist developmentally for students experiencing grief and loss. What is typical and atypical are also important facets for counselors to be cognizant of. Best practices for working with these groups are discussed. Certain counseling activities can be utilized across ages, while others are more applicable to specific school levels. A list of these activities, categorized by elementary, middle, and high school is included under "Helpful Documents". A list of website resources is available under “Websites.”
Youth Suicide Summary
Many youth suicides occur between ages 12-14, while incidents increase again in late teens. In terms of patterns, girls are more likely to have suicidal ideation while boys’ ideation more often results in completed suicide. The rates are highest among Native American youth.
Risk factors include personal characteristics, such as psychopathology (namely depression), prior attempts, LGBTQ, history of suicide in family, adverse life circumstances, and access to lethal means.
Protective factors include family cohesion, religiosity, restricting access to means, peer support, pets, and sound emotional regulation.
Best practices for assessing risk are included as well as a SADPERSONS scale to help throughout the process. This tool is particularly useful with older students, and both are available under "Helpful Documents." Prevention as a tier 1 effort is crucial and related resources are provided below. Support is also available for counselors who are responding to a school crisis, such as suicide. A list of website resources is available under “Websites.”
The entire presentation on Grief & Loss/Suicide is available under “Powerpoint February 2012.”