Florida Atlantic Suicide Rumors – Investigations are ongoing following an unconfirmed report of an incident at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida Saturday. Unsubstantial reports alleged that a student of the Florida Atlantic University passed away from an apparent suicide by shooting on Saturday, March 1, 2023. At the time of this publication, no statement has been released by the police department confirming the claims of a student’s suicide on campus. This reports until confirmed by the university remains a rumor. SNBC13 is reaching out for further clarifications and information regarding the incident. Below is an article that may help youths or anyone in crisis. PLEASE MEDICAL HELP AND KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Florida Health Across the State – Youth Suicide Prevention
Suicide is preventable for all ages and groups. Growing up, and transitioning through childhood to adulthood, youths can feel their mental health being negatively affected. Learning how to manage and cope with new experiences can lead to feelings of depression, hopelessness, and even thoughts of suicide. Youth can feel shame in these feelings and try to hide or cover them up, but often that can create harm and cause their mental health to decline further.
In 2019, according to a Youth Risk Behavior Survey, male and female high school students were asked questions regarding signs of being at risk for suicide. 24.2% of the male students and 43.4% of the female students reported feeling sad or hopeless 10.9% of the male students and 20.2% of the female students reported seriously considering dying by suicide. 8.2% of the male students and 15.5% of the female students reported making a plan to die by suicide. 6% of the male students and 9.6% of the female students reported actually attempting suicide. 10.5% of the male students and 21% of the female students reported purposefully hurting themselves without wanting to die
Signs and Risk Factors
There are certain behaviors, ways youth express themselves or moods that they display, that can be symptoms of suicidal thoughts. At this age, adults may feel that these behaviors are typical of the teenage years but that is not always the case. It is important to communicate with youth on how they are feeling and to be open with them about whatever they may be experiencing. There is a myth about suicide that asking someone about whether they are suicidal will lead them to act upon those feelings. Research shows that asking someone about it can lead them to get the help that they need. Some signs to watch out for include:
- Marked fall in school performance
- Poor grades in school despite trying very hard
- Severe worry or anxiety, as shown by regular refusal to go to school, go to sleep or take part in activities that are normal for the child’s age
Frequent physical complaints
Marked changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
Extreme difficulties in concentrating that get in the way at school or at home
Sexual acting out
Depression shown by sustained, prolonged negative mood and attitude, often accompanied by poor appetite, difficulty sleeping or thoughts of death
Severe mood swings
Strong worries or anxieties that get in the way of daily life, such as at school or socializing
Repeated use of alcohol and/or drugs
Protective Factors
There are certain factors in all our lives that can act as buffers against circumstances that could harm our mental health. These are called protective factors and they can be found at different levels such as biological, psychological, family or community levels, that lowers the chances of negative mental health outcomes. The list below outlines examples of protective factors at each level.
- Individual Protective Factors
- Positive physical development
- Academic achievement or intellectual development
- High self-esteem
- Emotional self-regulation
- Good coping skills and problem-solving skills
- Engagement and connections in at least two of the following contexts:
- School
- Peer relationships
- Athletics
- Employment
- Religion
- Culture
- Family
- Family provides structure, limits, rules, monitoring, and predictability
- Supportive relationships with family members
- Clear expectations for behaviors and values
- School, Neighborhood and Community
- Presence of mentors and support for development of skills and interest
- Opportunities for engagement within school and community
Positive norms - Clear expectations for behavior
- Physical and psychological safety
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call or text 988
Reach out through chat at https://988lifeline.org/chat/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Boys Town National Hotline
1-800-448-3000
Crisis and support line for children, youth and their parents 24/7 and Spanish available
Trevor Project Lifeline
1-866-488-7386
Provides 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth
Find a mental health or substance abuse facility near
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