Introduction

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem and is preventable.

According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death in Americans between the ages of 10 and 24. PBS reported in 2019 that the incidence of suicide in this age group has increased 56% in less than two decades. Since 1975, suicide has been among the top twelve causes of death in the United States.

What makes someone want to harm themselves? What can be done to prevent these tragedies? This lesson focuses on answering these questions and providing tools to help.

Lesson Objectives

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to...

  • Recognize warning signs of suicide
  • Identify steps to take to prevent suicide in self and others

Essential Questions

  • What are signs of suicide and how do I recognize and respond to those signs in myself and others?
  • What are signs of self-harm and how do I recognize and respond to those signs in myself and others?

Enduring Understandings

  • Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
  • All threats of suicide should be taken seriously.
  • If I, or someone I know, is self-harming or considering suicide, it is urgent to notify a trusted adult and get help.

The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Health Education standards: 1.2b, 3.5, 4.3, 4.4, and 5.2.