Suicide Is Not a Way Out

Scenario:

    Jimmy McCormick is an active eleventh grader at Columbus High School. He seems to have everything going for him. His teachers praise him for his academic excellence; his soccer coach challenges him to reach his full potential on the field;  his peers have distinguished Jimmy as an officer of the Student Government Association; and his family continually supports him in his preparation to become a third generation "Harvard man."

    Lately, Jimmy has been sluggish on the soccer field. His teachers have also noticed a steady decline in  grades and with his attentiveness in class. Unaware that Jimmy had recently turned to alcohol and other drug use to meet these pressures,   his friends were puzzled by  his mood swings, his lack of motivation, and his constant desire to isolate from his team mates and friends.

    On this particular day, Jimmy stood before his American History class   ready  to give his assigned presentation on Abraham Lincoln. As he was describing Lincoln’s assassination, Jimmy extracted a gun from his jacket pocket, pointed it to his right temple, and fired a single shot. The teacher stood in shock as Jimmy’s body fell to the floor. Stunned by this unexpected behavior, students ran from the classroom crying and screaming.

1. Explain the contributing relationship of alcohol to suicide.

2. As a concerned Columbus High parent, what recommendations might you make to the

    principal to reduce the likelihood of the "contagion effect" following Jimmy's suicide?

3. What are some of the factors which placed Jimmy at risk for suicide? What warning signs

    did Jimmy exhibit?

4. Discuss the relationship between teen depression and suicide.

Alcohol, firearms, and suicide in youth

Suicide Warning Signs

http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com/teen_depression_suicide.htm

AFSP: For the Media: Recommendations

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