Florida School Toolkit for K-12 Educators to Prevent Suicide

Cultural Factors Culture plays an important dynamic in the thoughts of a suicidal student, the approach used with his or her family, and resources that might be recommended. Especially in the aftermath of a death by suicide, school personnel should be sensitive to the cultural beliefs of the family and the student population, and great care should be taken to seek out personnel and resources that are a good match for the needs of the family during intervention and/or postvention. It is especially noted that Native American youth have a high suicide rate, and Florida educators need to be very familiar with tribal customs and practices. For example, Native American families may be less willing to talk to mental health professionals and may prefer support from medical personnel or tribal leaders. Impact of Experiences and Personal Resiliency A young person develops the feeling of self-worth, control, and positivity by a total of the events and experiences in his or her life. Scott Poland was trained in the Covey model that emphasized students have an emotional bank account. When good things happen for students—good grades, friendships, engaging activities—chips are placed in the emotional bank account. When bad things happen—bad grades, breakups with friends, isolation, death of friend or family member—chips are withdrawn. Research reflects that a young person’s ability to bounce back from trauma or stress, to adapt to changing circumstances, and to respond positively to difficult situations is proportional to their resilience. Research has found that the keys for resiliency for youth include being surrounded by caring and supportive family and friends, remaining optimistic about the future, utilizing problem-solving skills, as well as having the opportunity to express strong emotions. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the student who has a diminished sense of self-worth, is unable to cope, is socially withdrawn and/or is unable to handle life stressors, and lacks a support network. Family and school environments that are supportive and caring will enhance resilience, while lack of family support or exposure to abuse or trauma may make a student vulnerable. Protective Factors that Decrease Youth Suicidal Behavior from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center sprc.org/sites/default/files/migrate/library /RiskProtectiveFactorsPrimer.pdf • family cohesion and stability • coping and problem-solving skills • positive self-worth and impulse control • p ositive connections to school and extracurricular participation • academic success • good relationships with other youth • a bility and willingness to seek adult help when needed • lack of access to suicidal means • access to mental health care • religiosity • s chool environment that encourages help seeking and promotes health • early detection and intervention Florida S.T.E.P.S.