Case study
B is rarely present in classes. When he is there, he gives the impression that he is doing badly. B is gloomy, makes negative statements and says he sleeps very badly and little. A classmate tells the counsellor that B has said he does not see life any more. As far as he is concerned, it might as well be over.
What do we mean by suicide signs and suicidal behaviour?
Suicide signals are not always easy to recognise because they are not always expressed as such. Characteristics of suicidal behaviour in a HU student are:
- somnia
- strong mood swings
- very irritable and aggressive
- rapid crying
- no longer interested in anything
- withdrawal
- neglect
- using a lot of drink and/or drugs
- decreased performance
Don’t!
Sometimes the signs are more obvious as in statements like, “I don’t want to be there anymore,” and “I’m just a burden to others. Don’t ignore such a statement. Address it and ask what the person means.
Suicidal behaviour can be seen as a way of seeking a solution to unbearable pain and unsolvable problems. Suicidal behaviour consists not only of actions but also of thoughts. We speak of suicidal behaviour when someone:
- Has thoughts about suicide, and/or
- Has the intention to kill themselves, and/or
- Is preparing to commit suicide, and/or
- Attempts to kill himself
Extra information on suicidal behaviour
- Someone with suicidal behaviour seems to want to end their own life. Often, the main need is to cope with unbearable experiences, feelings or emotions.
- The intention of suicidal behaviour can vary from person to person. Some people really want to stop living, others no longer want to continue living the way they do now. Still others mainly want to achieve that they are listened to.
- Suicidal behaviour can also be an expression of the desire to escape from a situation that is difficult to endure (not choosing death).
How can you as a counsellor support suicidal signs?
Obviously, it is important to take all signals seriously and refer the student to find out what the underlying reason for the signals is.
DOs and Don’ts!
- *Make sure you and teammates are aware of the HU’s Handelingswijzer Zorgwekkend gedrag: HU22.074 HandelingswijzerZG.NED_C3-LR3.pdf
- Make contact with the student and engage in conversation.
- Examine the signs you recognise.
- Stay role-proof, don’t go too far in involvement: you signal and refer, you don’t have to solve it.
- Involve significant others if possible such as parents, a friend, partner.
- Do not promise secrecy, but help in thinking along what the student needs.
- Realise that talking about suicidal thoughts is the first step towards solutions. It reduces the pressure on the student and the feeling of being alone.
How to start the conversation,
- Look in advance for do’s and don’ts for an interview with a student. These are also described for teaching assistants at: Suicide Prevention in Education | 113 Suicide Prevention.
- Involve a colleague from education and a HU staff member as mentioned in the handbook. They can possibly join the conversation, or you can at least consult with them at the interim or afterwards.
- As a supervisor, take good care of yourself. You are already doing a lot by being there for the other person. It is good to realise that.
Follow-up case study
The supervisor asks B to come along to school for a talk. He expresses his concerns about B and wants to hear how he is doing. He examines the signs in the conversation and checks for thoughts of death and whether B is having suicidal thoughts. This is indeed the case. The counsellor gives B confidence to think with him, but does not take over responsibility. He suggests asking for help and calling B’s GP together, where he can visit the same afternoon. The counsellor discusses who from B’s network can go with him. The next day, the counsellor inquires how B is doing, and whether the appointment with the GP took place. The supervisor mentions that further contact is through the GP, but that B is always welcome if he needs a listening ear.
Extra information:
- For HU staff: All steps to be taken are clearly described in the HU Handelingswijzer zorgwekkend gedrag (September 2022): 074 HandelingswijzerZG.NED_C3-LR3.pdf
- For students: Talking about suicidal thoughts can be done anonymously: chat via 113.nl, call 113 or call toll-free 0800-0113 113 Suicide Prevention also remains accessible via 0900-0113
- 113.nl: lots of information on this site, e.g. creating safety plan with student and training opportunities: gatekeeper training.
- The HU Offers online e-training which students can join with their own login.
- You should also keep an eye on the HU Guided agenda for suicide prevention trainings.