Hotlines
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, get help immediately by calling 911 or contact one of the hotlines below.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-Talk (8255)
Text 741741
Iowa Crisis Chat
You’re never alone.
We’re here for you.
Call/Text: 1-855-325-4296
Foundation 2 Crisis Services
Phone: 319-362-2174
Text: 800-332-4224
Decatur County Resources
Helpful Information:
RISK FACTORS:
- Hopelessness
- Non-suicidal self-injury
- Mental illness, especially severe depression, but also post traumatic stress, ADHD, and substance abuse
- History of suicidal thinking and behavior
- Prior suicide among peers or family members
- Interpersonal conflict, family stress
- Presence of a firearm in the home
WARNING SIGNS:
Suicidal threats in the form of direct and indirect statements- Suicide notes, plans, online postings
- Making final arrangements
- Preoccupation with death
- Giving away prized possessions
- Talking about death
- Sudden unexplained happiness
- Increased risk taking
- Heavy drug/alcohol use
WHAT TO DO:
- Remain calm, nonjudgmental and listen
- Ask directly about suicide (e.g., Are you thinking about suicide?”)
- Focus on your concern for their well-being
- Avoid being accusatory
- Reassure them that there is help; they will not feel like this forever
- Provide constant supervision. Do not leave them alone.
- Remove means for self-harm, especially firearms.
- Get help! Never agree to keep suicidal thoughts a secret. Tell an appropriate caregiving adult. Parents should seek help from school or community mental health resources as soon as possible. School staff should take the student to school-employed mental health professionals.
REMINDERS FOR PARENTS:
After a school notifies a parent of their child’s risk for suicide and provides referral information, parents must:- Continue to take threats seriously. Follow through is important even after the child calms down or informs the parent “they didn’t mean it.”
- Access community supports. Refer to our list of community resources.
- Maintain communication with school. After an intervention, the school will also provide follow-up supports. Your communication will be crucial to ensuring that the school is a safe, comfortable place for your child.
*Information taken from the National Association of School Psychologists.