Student Commits Suicide at Leander High School
A Leander High School student fatally shot herself in a bathroom on campus during school hours today, an official said.
No other details, including the girl’s identity, have been released.
The school was evacuated as a precautionary measure after officials received a bomb threat, the official said. Police say the incidents are not related.
Suicide is the third-leading cause of death of youths between 15 and 25, according to Merily Keller, a suicide prevention consultant for Mental Health America of Texas. Signs can include persistent sadness, marked change in behavior, sleeping too much or too little, increasing isolation or a preoccupation with death.
Youths who have heard their friends talk about suicide should immediately tell an adult, Keller said.
“That is not a secret you keep,†she said. “You can lose a friend permanently.â€
Teens can also refer their friends to the national suicide hotline (800) 273-TALK (8255) or to http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. The hotline number in Travis County is 472-HELP (4357). In Williamson County, it is (800) 841-1255.
“The key thing is for parents to be talking to students at this time about suicide and tell them that help is available and help works,†Keller said.