After an Attempt – Community

Suicidal thoughts and actions by a youth generate conflicting feelings among family members, friends, and other members of a school and the groups and communities of which the youth is a member. After a suicide attempt, it is important to take care of the people surrounding the youth in addition to the youth.¹ Actions after an attempt can help prevent additional suicides by lessening the effects and monitoring warning signs for suicide and mental health challenges that can be associated with increased risk for suicide. Resources are available to those coping after a suicide attempt. Promotion and prevention services are also available to address mental health issues. Schools, where youth spend a majority of their time, are a natural setting to support mental health.

Resources

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. When you call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), you are connected to the nearest crisis center in a national network of more than 150 that provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals day and night. The Lifeline also provides informational materials, such as brochures, wallet cards, posters, and booklets. Prestamos servicios en español (1-888-628-9454). Translators speaking approximately 150 languages are available.

Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for High Schools (PDF, 230 pages)
This toolkit was funded by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and shares tools for use by high schools, school districts, and their partners after a suicide.

Death/Suicide in the School Community
Resources from the Office of Overseas Schools at the U.S. Department of State to help staff and students coping after a suicide attempt.