Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention
According the the Missouri Institute of Mental Health (July 2015), suicide is the leading cause of death in youth ages (10-24) in Missouri and is a public health concern impacting all Missouri Citizens. The Junction Hill C-12 School District is committed to maintaining a safe environment to protect the health, safety, and welfare of students. In pursuant to School Board Policy JHDF: Suicide Awareness and Prevention, this district has protocol and procedures in place to educate employees and students on the actions and resources necessary in order to prevent suicide and to promote and encourage student well-being.
Centers for Disease Control - Risk and Protective Factors
Risk Factors for Suicide - A combination of individual, relationship, community, and societal factors contribute to the risk of suicide. Risk factors are those characteristics associated with suicide, they might not be direct causes.
Centers for Disease Control - Risk and Protective Factors
Risk Factors for Suicide - A combination of individual, relationship, community, and societal factors contribute to the risk of suicide. Risk factors are those characteristics associated with suicide, they might not be direct causes.
- Family history of suicide
- Family history of child maltreatment
- Previous suicide attempt
- History of mental disorders, particularly clinical depression
- History of alcohol and substance abuse
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Impulsive or aggressive behaviors
- Cultural and religious beliefs (e.g., belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma)
- Local epidemics of suicide
- Isolation, a feeling of being cut off from other people
- Barriers to accessing mental health treatment
- Loss (relational, social, work, or financial)
- Physical illness
- Easy access to lethal methods
- Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health and substance abuse disorders or to suicidal thoughts