How To Talk To A Student

What to do

Importante! O conhecimento de uma criança suicida se enquadra em risco infantil e deve ser relatado pela lei de RI.

Por favor, siga os protocolos da sua escola para planejamento de emergência. Não tem certeza sobre o plano da sua escola? Você o viu? Você é treinado? Peça mais informações ao seu diretor.

If a child presents as depressed or suicidal, please tell your school’s guidance department, nursing and student assistance program personnel. Get involved!

What is the first step I can take to help?

O que um estudante suicida mais precisa é ser ouvido, não receber sermão ou conselhos.

Don’t try to offer solutions or try to make them feel better. What a depressed or suicidal student most wants is to feel safe with you, to know that you can be trusted, to know that you care. He/she needs a person who will say, “I care” – and show it by not talking but by listening. Listen with sincerity and care, with interest and without judgment.

What should I say?

Begin by gently asking, “Is there something bothering you? I’ll be glad to listen.” The student might reveal something that happened at home, at work, school or in a relationship. You then might ask any of these questions:

• “How did that make you feel?”
• “Did that hurt your feelings?”
• “What are you feeling, right now, this very minute?”
• Remember; demonstrate that you can listen patiently.

What do I say next?

• Diga ao aluno que você se importa.
• Tell the student that depression and related symptoms are treatable.
• Offer to go with them to the school guidance, nursing or student assistance services. It can be difficult to go alone.
• Tell them if at any time they do NOT feel safe to please call RI Emergency 911.
• IMMEDIATELY tell appropriate school staff of your conversation – follow school protocols.
• As an additional resource, Inform the student about The Samaritans of Rhode Island and the Teen Pages of this website to learn more about suicide prevention.

The Samaritans’ Role

The Samaritans maintains a 24-hour listening line staffed by trained volunteers.

Volunteers can offer nonjudgmental listening when family, friends and professionals are not available. Callers are welcome to call every day as long as we are needed.

Note: The Crisis Hotline/Listening Line is open 24/7 depending on the availability of volunteers.