Student Suicide Prevention:

Phoenix Elementary School

District Presentation, for
Parents and Educators

Presented By: Laney Kochek

 ● Introduce Issue
● Arizona Suicide Stats.
● SMART goal overview
● Social, Physical,
Cognitive and
Agenda
Emotional impact
● Video
● Plan of Action
● Follow up Steps
● Contact
● References
 Suicide rates in the United States continue to
rise each year, with record numbers that have
not been seen since world war II. Though all
age groups are affected, suicide is the second
leading cause of death for people aged 15-24
(Suicide Statistics and Facts n.d., para.5) .

Introducing the Issue Students spend a significant amount of time

in school.Educators and staff who interact,
daily, with students can play a significant role
in reducing suicide rates among students
(Suicide Prevention, 2019, para.1)
Arizona Statistics on Suicide

● The suicide rate in 2017 was 18 suicides per 100,000

deaths
● In 2017, on average, 4 Arizonans per day fell victim to
suicide
● Males have a suicide rate 3x higher than females in Arizona
(Christ, 2019, para. 2-3)
 By the end of 2020 I will work with
Smart Goal Overview the Phoenix Elementary school
district to reduce the arizona suicide
rate amongst adolescents by 25%,
by implementing a mandatory
suicide prevention course in grades
K-12.
Importance of SMART Goal

● Suicide can affect the emotional, social, cognitive and

physical development in students.
● Schools can have a positive impact on this issue by
making students aware of their resources.
● Implementing programs related to mental health, that
are available to all students, can reduce the stigmas
associated with mental illness.
 - The social stigma that often surrounds
mental illness may further isolate a
person with suicidal thoughts from their
loved ones. Isolation is a common
Social Impact on Students behavior observed in people experiencing
suicidal thoughts.
- Losing interest in things that used to be
enjoyable such as socializing is often
seen
- However lack of social support is a
risk factor for suicidal behavior
(Warning Signs, n.d., p. 2-3)
 Physical and Cognitive Impact on Students

● Changes in appearance and behavior are potential indicators that a student may be
experiencing suicidal thoughts.
● Sudden Weight loss, mood changes, isolation, poor sleep, and compulsive thoughts
can also result from a depressed or suicidal mindset.
● Suicidal thoughts are often a result of depression. Depression can negatively
impact memory and thinking. It has also been shown to lower the ability to adapt
to new situations as well as the ability to thoroughly complete tasks (Cartreine,
2016, para.1)
 - Emotionally, someone feeling suicidal or
depressed can display irritated, stressed, or in
some cases aggressive behavior.
- The emotional state varies but can tend to
be very turbulent or unstable (Warning
Signs,n.d. , p.2)
Emotional Impact on - Other common emotional states experienced
are
Students - Prolonged periods of sadness
- Hopelessness
- Guilt
- Stress
- Hopelessness

(Jo, Lisa, Tim, n.d. , para. 3)

Video on Teen Suicide Prevention

Teen Suicide Prevention. (2015, June 15). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BByqa7bhto&t=41s.

 - Get into contact with state
legislators and request that laws
be enacted which require
educators to receive training on
What Should be Done Suicide
- Become Aware of risk factors
and intervene when deemed
necessary
- Create a non-discriminatory
policy in schools
 Next Steps

- Have educators take a course in suicide prevention and intervention

- Learn to identify and assess risk
- Interviene and make resources available to students and parents
- Create a non-bias screening program and assess all students for
suicide risk
- Include mental health information in all health classes
- Offer counseling and other support services in School
- Make safe spaces in classrooms for students to ask for help
 - Laney Kochek
- lkochek@asu.edu
- (312) 860-2725
Contact - Kathy Hoffman (Arizona
Superintendent of Public
Instruction)
- (602) 542-5057
 Cartreine, J. (2016, April 18). More than sad: Depression affects your
ability to think. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/sad-
depression-affects-ability-think-201605069551.

Christ, C. (2019, January 2). Suicide Rates Increasing in Arizona. Retrieved

from https://directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov/suicide-rates-increasing-in-
arizona/.

Jo, H., Tim, & Lisa. (n.d.). Depression and Daily Life. Retrieved from
https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/depre
ssion-and-daily-life
.

References Suicide Prevention in Schools. (2019, October 17). Retrieved from

https://afsp.org/our-work/advocacy/public-policy-priorities/suicide-preventi
on-in-schools/
.

Suicide Statistics and Facts. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://save.org/about-suicide/suicide-facts/.

Teen Suicide Prevention. (2015, June 15). Retrieved from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BByqa7bhto&t=41s.

Warning Signs of Suicide. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://save.org/about-suicide/warning-signs-risk-factors-protective-factors/