Palo Alto Teen Suicides, Silicon Valley Culture Receive New Focus
PALO ALTO (KCBS) -- In the 2009-10 school year, six students associated with the Palo Alto School district killed themselves.
Between October of last year and March of this year, three more students took their own lives. The issue was then thrust into the national spotlight with a recent article in The Atlantic.
The culture of Silicon Valley is unique and suicide is a complex issue, as KCBS's Margie Shafer tells us in Part 1 her special report: Beyond the Fingerpointing.
ALSO READ: Palo Alto Calls In CDC To Study Teen Suicide Clusters
Links:
Project Safety Net, Palo Alto
StarVista
Save the 2008
On Your Mind
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Here are some of the warning signs of suicide:
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
- Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
- Sleeping too little or too much.
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
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