Service providers

IDENTIFYING AND REFERRING YOUTH AT RISK OF SUICIDE

• Be aware of signs of distress (isolation, absenteeism, aggression, loss of interest, etc.) or to certain events that may raise the risk of a suicide attempt (academic failure, a break-up or relationship problems, disciplinary issues, etc.).
• Quickly refer the young person to the appropriate services, such as a professional at the school or a suicide prevention worker. You can also call the Quebec suicide prevention hotline at 1 866 APPELLE (277-3553) to get help from a suicide prevention specialist. These services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• In high schools, ensure that gatekeeper networks (consisting of adults trained to spot vulnerable youth and send them to get help) and school staff are available and watching for signs.

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  LEARN MORE ABOUT GATEKEEPER FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING

IMPLEMENTING INTERVENTIONS BASED ON BEST PRACTICES

The subject of suicide should be raised delicately and safely with youth. Be sure that young people who could be vulnerable are properly cared for. When working with young people and groups of students, interventions that focus solely on suicide can actually do more harm than good. It is thus better to address mental health and healthy coping strategies.

Therefore:

• Opt for well-being activities that promote the development of personal and social skills, particularly expressing emotions, managing stress, asking for help, handling conflicts and solving problems.
• If suicide is addressed in documentaries or shows, be careful about wanting to use that context to raise the subject in class or have students reflect on it in their school work (French class, visual arts, etc.). The Institut national de santé publique warns the school community about the associated risks, particularly among some vulnerable students who sometimes find themselves alone, exposed to something that presents suicide as inevitable, that does not encourage asking for help or that offers few messages of hope.
• If students raise the topic of suicide, answer their questions, but make sure to:
  • check with those who want to talk about suicide if this interest is in fact a call for help (if this cannot be done beforehand, take time to check with the person afterwards);
  • explain that suicide is a multifactorial problem and is often linked to a mental disorder, such as depression, that can be treated;
  • avoid adding to their knowledge about suicide methods and how lethal those methods are;
  • clearly explain that suicide is not an option;
  • avoid an exchange of opinions on suicide;
  • provide information on the help available;
  • promote positive problemsolving attitudes.
• If students really want to have a discussion on the subject, contact a suicide prevention or mental health professional.
• If a parent shares their concerns about their child with a school staff member, that staff member must:
  • tell the parent to listen to their child without judgement;
  • if necessary, refer the parent to appropriate assistance and resources. This is particularly important if the student is having some issues, has a mental health disorder or is vulnerable to suicide.