Guidelines to assist in responding to attempted suicide or suicide by ...

Information to assist staff in talking with studentsfollowing an attempted or completed suicideStudent reactions will range from confusion, anger, aggression, withdrawal,fear, guilt, denial, blame, betrayal, abandonment, hurt, sadness, curiosity andindifference. Teachers can expect tears or silence from some and excitementfrom others. Any students who appear to be in real distress should beaccompanied to the support room or offered the opportunity to contact theirparents to be collected.Discussing suicide should not be made into a prohibited topic. Students must beallowed to talk about the incident.The first classes following the news should be conducted flexibly. Whereverpossible, be guided by the students’ need to talk, particularly if they are in theyear level of the student concerned. The best way to do this is to set work forthose who wish to resume normal lessons but allow others to speak quietly witheach other or write in a journal, or simply sit and think.Where appropriate, provide students with the following ideas during anydiscussions in the days that follow:• there are always solutions to problems; there are always people to help andoptions to seek helpBeyondblue: 1300 22 4636 www.beyondblue.org.aueheadspace: 1800 650 890 www.eheadspace.org.auYbblue: www.youthbeyondblue.com• suicide takes away your chance to find solutions to problems• problems are temporary, death is permanent• people will help for as long as it takes to feel better• no one is ever to blame when people attempt suicide or suicide• suicide is never about just one thing• tell an adult if you’re worried about yourself or a friend.These messages are important to get out as early as possible as some studentsare likely to feel inappropriately guilty or responsible for their friend’s actions.44Section G: Sample documents and advice for staff