After a Suicide Attempt—Caring for the 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

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 
The 988 Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. When you call 988, you are connected to the nearest crisis center in a national network that provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals day and night. ¡Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponibles en español! Translators speaking approximately 150 languages are available. The network of crisis centers also offers services for people who are deaf and hard of hearing, including veterans.

References