According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, suicide is the third leading cause of death for North Carolinians between the ages of 10 to 24.  Unfortunately, stigma, myths and misinformation about suicide prevent both adults and young people from discussing this topic.  Recognizing the signs and symptoms of suicide and knowing who to call for help is one way to prevent suicide.

Know the Signs and Symptoms.  Some of the common signs and symptoms of suicide are: threatening and talking about wanting to hurt or kill themselves, making preparations (i.e. trying to get firearms, pills or other ways of killing themselves), talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide, hopelessness, withdrawing from friends, family, or school, and difficulty sleeping or sleeping all the time.  This is not an exhaustive or definitive list.  They are merely potential warning signs and a signal to get help.  For more information visit the National Suicide Prevention Life Line: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide/.

Know who to call.  If you are concerned that someone is suicidal, help is only a telephone call away. Both local and national resources are available 24/7.

•     911 Emergency Services
•     Alliance Behavioral Health Care – Health & Information Line
•     (800) 510-9132
•     National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
•     (800) 273-TALK (8255)
•     Veterans Suicide Hotline
•     (800) 273-8255 Select # 1
•     Hearing Impaired TTY Users
•     (800) 799-4TTY (4889)
•     En Espanol
•     (888) 628-9454

A school counselor, school social worker, and a school psychologist are available in all of our schools. They are also available to link parents and students to community resources.  Visit us on the web, to find out who is assigned to your child’s school http://stusrvcs.ccs.k12.nc.us/.  

For more information, contact Dr. Natasha Scott, Executive Director of Student Services, at (910) 678-2433 or natashascott@ccs.k12.nc.us.