Talking About Suicide in the Middle School Classroom
Written by Arianna Maples, Suicide Is Different Intern
As the morning bell rings, you hear feet stomping in the hallway as students make their way to class. Shouting their last goodbyes and see you laters, they make their way to your room, and as they shuffle through your open door, mumbling their good mornings and how are yous, you watch them each make their way to their desks, some louder than others. Then, as they settle down, even before you can get the morning announcements out, that hand in the back of the room goes up asking to borrow a pencil, and thus your day begins, and for the next eight hours, you are their most trusted confidant. So, you might ask yourself, how do I even talk to them about suicide?
In 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics declared a state of emergency regarding child and adolescent mental health. Their suicide-risk screenings have yielded higher positive rates than during the pre-pandemic period. As educators, we can bridge the gap between students struggling with ideations and the resources they need, but we must be willing to talk about it. One of the biggest myths regarding suicide is that talking about it will make youths more likely to try it. According to the Mayo Clinic, talking about suicide may reduce, rather than increase, suicidal ideation. In addition, it improves mental health-related outcomes and the likelihood that the person would seek treatment.
As suicide is the third-leading cause of death among young people. Teachers can start the
conversation, and here is how we do it:
Know the warning signs. For example, falling asleep in class, a significant drop in grades, frequent visits to the nurse, reckless behavior, and cries for help such as saying, “I just want to die” or “no one wants me here.” When you do see these warning signs, it is crucial to take action right away. For example, if you feel like a student is in imminent danger, do not leave the student alone and call the school counselor immediately. If you have any other concerns about students, report them immediately, and don’t be afraid to ask a student about suicide.
Make mental health and suicide discussions a part of the curriculum. For example, during social studies or language arts, talk about books that touch on the subject of mental health. In addition, make talking about feelings during lessons a priority.
Teach coping skills. Adolescents have big emotions, and sometimes those emotions come with thoughts of suicide. We can all remember being pre-teens or teenagers and not knowing what to do with all of our feelings. By introducing mindful mornings and breathing exercises, we have the opportunity to teach students coping skills that can come in handy when they need them.
Talk to the staff. Knowing what to do when a student comes to you with thoughts of suicide can make them feel like they are in a safe space. In addition, ensuring that all staff members are on the same page regarding the next steps can make the conversation smoother and our students more trusting. Always follow the policies of your school and administration.
Make resources visible in your room. So students know they have options and services available to them whenever needed. For example, look up local resources in your area and have your students create poster boards for them and hang them up in your classroom and the schools’s hallways.
Want more information? Suicide Is Different offers free tools and customized supports to help those caring for people experiencing suicidal thoughts to learn about suicide and build a self-care system for sustainable caregiving. Follow us on Twitter (@SuicideIsDiff) and Instagram (@SuicideIsDifferentOrg) for routine reminders and tips!
SID is not a substitute for clinical treatment or crisis intervention
If you are looking for emergency support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Suicide Is Different's content and products were developed by subject matter experts for educational purposes only and intended for use by adults. We encourage you to review our Resource Directory if you are looking for clinical services or supports outside of the US.
