After the suicide of a Male High School student on April 14, 20 crisis counselors were at Male on Tuesday morning to help grieving students, according to Mandy Simpson, a spokesperson for JCPS.
JCPS also blocked district access to Twitter and YouTube from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday after dozens of people shared a link to the student’s final video on YouTube.
“Our primary concern is the security and safety of our students and right now we’re worried about supporting the students,” said Ms. Simpson.
With 20 crisis counselors on site, the atmosphere of the school changed.
“Male has been mourning the entire day,” said Male junior Garrett Price. “Teachers were open to in-depth conversations, people were holding each other tightly and crying. It was surreal to see such a high-spirited school become so grave so quickly.”
Ms. Marti Johnston (Counselor) said active prevention is the best way to help a suicidal friend or family member.
“It’s important to be aware of the warning signs in friends and family members and to seek support,” said Ms. Johnston.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255) is a free, 24/7 service providing support, information and local resources for suicidal persons or those around them. Local resources include Seven Counties Services (502-589-4313 or 800-221-0446). Deaf and hard-of-hearing people can call Seven Counties via KY Relay (711).
Warning Signs of Suicide
• Talking about wanting to die
• Looking for a way to kill oneself
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings
The more of these signs a person shows, the greater the risk. Warning signs are associated with a suicide but may not be what causes a suicide.
What To Do
• If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide:
• Do not leave the person alone
• Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
• Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional
Information courtesy of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
