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Christina Williams

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What would you say to a person who wanted to commit suicide?

Bullying such as cyberbullying has caused some young people today to be depressed and think of ending their life. So what would you say to prevent the action from happening?

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    Fritzie Reisner 100+

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    Jul 9 2012: I agree with what Linda said. As teachers, in fact, we are trained to address this problem by staying with the person and helping the person make contact with professional help. We don't leave until the professional has arrived or we have delivered the young person to the professional.
    People who are not trained to work with suicidal young people should not depend on their good hearts and good arguments. A life is at stake.
    Rather you stay with the person, or if you find out by phone, ask if someone is there with them, keep them on the phone until help gets there.

    • Christina Williams

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      Jul 9 2012: How about if a student tells a friend? Because most young people who are suicidal tell friends and they either don't believe they will kill themselves until it is to late.
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        Linda Taylor 50+

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        Jul 9 2012: At my place of work, we have extensive suicide prevention along with a designated suicide prevention officer. She conducts workshops for all employees and students and assists with getting community help if needed. We give our students scripts on what to say and an algorithm of what to do. So all our students know what to do both at school and in the community.

        We have a high suicide rate and it was deemed a priority intervention.

        • Christina Williams

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          Jul 9 2012: That is great that you have suicide prevention and conduct workshops
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        Linda Taylor 50+

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        Jul 9 2012: I wanted to give you the website in case you could use it.
        http://www.sprc.org/

        • Christina Williams

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          Jul 9 2012: Thanks for the info and I have wrote a lot so far in my article but I am not sure if it needs more
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        Linda Taylor 50+

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        Jul 9 2012: Then you probably already have it. This is the USDHHS SAMHSA National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. I'm actually impressed with it and it takes a lot for me to be impressed by the federal government:)

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