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Student Wellness, Safety & Suicide Prevention

Suicide Prevention & Awareness

In Washington state, suicide is the second leading cause of death for teens 15 to 19 years old. According to the Washington Healthy Youth Survey (2018), 32% of eighth graders, 40% of 10th graders, and 41% of 12th graders felt so sad or hopeless for 2 weeks or more that they stopped doing their usual activities. 

Suicide Warning Signs

There is a place for everyone in suicide prevention. Below are some warning signs to help our community identify and support students in crisis. 

  • Talking or writing about suicide or death
  • Giving direct verbal cues, such as "I wish I were dead" and "I’m going to end it all"
  • Giving less direct verbal cues, such as "You will be better off without me," "What’s the point of living?," "Soon you won’t have to worry about me," and "Who cares if I’m dead, anyway?"
  • Isolating themselves from friends and family
  • Expressing the belief that life is meaningless
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Exhibiting a sudden and unexplained improvement in mood after being depressed or withdrawn
  • Neglecting his or her appearance and hygiene
  • Dropping out of school or social, athletic and/or community activities
  • Obtaining a weapon (such as a firearm) or another means of hurting themselves (such as prescription medications)

Source: OSPI

For immediate help: call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.

Suicide Hotlines (24 Hours)

  • King County Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-866-427-4747
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TRS: 1-800-799-4889)
  • http://866teenlink.org/
  • http://crisisclinic.org/
  • For LOCAL suicide, mental health or substance use crisis: 24/7 Crisis Line - KING COUNTY: 1-800-621-4636
  • For mental health/substance use crisis: SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1 (800)-622-HELP (4357)
  • For suicide, mental health or substance use crisis: Crisis Text Line (Recommended for Youth):
  • CRISIS TEXT HOTLINE: “HEAL” TO 741-741
  • For LGBTQ+ Youth: The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386

Resources: