Expert says people should talk openly about suicides, not hide them

"If it was up to me, everybody in Palo Alto would be talking about prevention everywhere - schools, community centers, doctor's offices - everywhere. His message is the same: It takes a village. School leaders, city officials, parents, survivor groups, medical and mental health professionals and law enforcement all need to come together to raise awareness."

"Kids are more likely to imitate the behavior of their peers, and the contagion is worse because of social media. Doctors should ask kids about their mental health at every visit, and school districts should have high school students fill out a seven-question signs of suicide screening form that has them name a trusted adult."

Suicide prevention expert Dr. Scott Poland advocates for widespread education in Palo Alto schools and communities to recognize warning signs among friends. He emphasizes that effective prevention requires coordinated efforts from school leaders, city officials, parents, medical professionals, and law enforcement. Poland notes that peer imitation and social media amplify contagion effects among youth. He recommends doctors screen adolescents for mental health at every visit and schools implement seven-question screening forms identifying trusted adults. Palo Alto has experienced four teen suicides in two years, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive prevention strategies and open community discussion despite widespread fear and hesitation.

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