If a child or student has made a suicidal threat or has told you that they have attempted suicide, do not leave them alone and make a plan to get them help. If your child tells you after school hours, call your family physician or take them to the emergency room. If the suicidal threat occurs during school hours, you may contact a Pupil Appraisal employee at the Richland Parish School Board at 318-728-5964.
Attempted suicide is a potentially self-injurious act committed with at least some intent to die as a result of the act (Kalafat, J. & Underwood, M. Making Educators Partners in Suicide Prevention).Some signs of suicide are:
- Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities
- Change in school work
- No reason for living / No purpose in life
- Dramatic changes in mood
- Profound sense of loneliness, alienation, and isolation
Below are listed two adolescent behavioral hospitals that offer treatment programs for self-injurious behaviors:
- Liberty Healthcare Systems, Bastrop, LA: 318-281-2448
- Brentwood, Shreveport, LA: 318-678-7500
Resources
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
https://www.afsp.org/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255) – It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week