Suicide is a significant public health crisis that has lasting effects on individuals, families, and the community.
Suicide, Violence & Abuse Assessments
Suicide is a significant public health crisis that has lasting effects on individuals, families, and the community. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that is the second leading cause of death among people between the ages of 15 and 34 in Michigan, and the 10th overall leading cause of death in Michigan.
Risk Factors
Risk factors are characteristics or conditions that can increase the chance that a person may try to take their life. Suicide risk factors include: a prior suicide attempt, the loss of a loved one to suicide, alcohol and drug use, mental and/or physical illness, feelings of hopelessness, access to lethal means, and a history of self-injury.
Warning Signs
It is important to recognize suicide warning signs so the person can receive help. These can include:
- Thinking, talking about, or threatening suicide
- Giving things away, writing a will, apologizing for old arguments, and visiting old friends, relatives, teachers
- Increase in drug or alcohol use
- Impulsive thoughts of death and dying
- Withdrawing from friends and activities
- Obtaining the means for suicide
Violence Assessments Early Warning Signs
Before seeking or referring a student to a clinician for an assessment for violence, it is helpful to know the early warning signs of this behavior. These signs should be used only as an aid for identifying and referring a child or adolescent for a violence assessment. According to the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Justice, the following are possible early warning signs for violent behavior:
- Social withdrawal
- Excessive feelings of isolation and being alone
- Excessive feelings of rejection
- Being a victim of violence or abuse
- Feelings of being persecuted
- A drop in grades and less interest in school
- Expression of violence in writings and drawings
- Uncontrolled anger
- Patterns of impulsive and chronic hitting, intimidating, and bullying behaviors
- History of discipline problems
- History of violent and aggressive behavior
- Intolerance for differences and prejudicial attitudes
- Use of drugs and/or alcohol
- Affiliation with gangs
- Inappropriate access to firearms
- Serious threats of violence
CARE’s assessments can get your family on track. To learn more or to set an appointment, please call (586) 541.2273.
We will never give up on you. We’re here for you when you’re ready.