Teen Suicide Signs for Parents

Teen suicide is a big problem, and as parents you know your teen better than anybody. More teenagers die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, and chronic lung disease, COMBINED. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for teenagers.

You may be asking yourself; “How can I detect if my teen is suicidal?” Well it is simple, know the signs and don’t ignore them.

The signs of suicide include:

• withdrawal from friends and family members
• trouble in romantic relationships
• difficulty getting along with others
• changes in the quality of schoolwork or lower grades
• rebellious behaviors
• unusual gift-giving or giving away own possessions
• appearing bored or distracted
• writing or drawing pictures about death
• running away from home
• changes in eating habits
• dramatic personality changes
• changes in appearance (for the worse)
• sleep disturbances
• drug or alcohol abuse
• talk of suicide, even in a joking way
• having a history of previous suicide attempts

Don’t let it get out of hand, talk with your kids. It could save them.

In Loving Memory of Cody Wayne Hendren

March is Suicide Awareness Month at Battle High School in memory of Cody Hendren, who died Saturday, March 15, 2014. He was an incredible addition to Battle in its first year. Many of us will always remember him as a good student, friend, brother, and son, but he was so much more than that. He was amazing in every definition of the word.

This Friday, March 13^th at 4:15 p.m. we held a memorial service in the Performing Arts Center at Battle High School. During the weeks leading up to the service we sold yellow bracelets that stated, "We Stand Together." All of the money generated by bracelet sales went to construction of a bench that was dedicated in Cody's honor. The bench will be placed outside the PAC at Battle High School.

Cody's life was tragically ended, but it mattered beyond measure. The message his family and friends would like to share is that suicide is a permanent solution to life's temporary problems. Suicide is NEVER the answer.

If you or someone you know are suffering from suicidal thoughts - TELL SOMEONE. There are people who care waiting to help. Talk to a trusted adult, or call 1 800 SUICIDE.

March is Suicide Awareness Month

March is Suicide Awareness month at Battle High School. We chose this topic for March to honor the memory of one of our own. Last year we lost a Battle student to suicide, and we want to make sure our students are aware that there is always another option. IT GETS BETTER.

Suicide is the THIRD leading cause of death for youth ages 12-18. More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, and chronic lung disease, COMBINED. 

If you're feeling hopeless DO NOT commit suicide. You may think you're alone, but you can't imagine the impact on those you love, or how much you'll truly be missed. 

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts DON'T KEEP IT TO YOURSELF. Make sure you share with a friend, teacher, administrator, or guidance counselor and DON'T HESITATE to call 1 (800) 784-2433 - that's  1 (800) SUICIDE.