ABSTRACT
Objective
To analyze the knowledge on suicidal behavior and prevention strategies adopted by elementary school teachers.
Method
A qualitative study, supported by action research, carried out in a public school in the city of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. Nine elementary school teachers took part. Three meetings, a negotiation meeting and two thematic seminars were held. The speeches were submitted to thematic analysis.
Results
Teachers' knowledge about suicidal behavior involves the identification of the warning signs, with self-mutilation being the most recurrent suicidal attitude. As strategies, they pointed out the need to avoid the risk of identifying the student at risk, observation, dialog, monitoring and using the support networks. The challenges listed by the teachers were the following: being unable to identify and associate the warning signs with the suicidal behavior, difficulty in approaching the student in crisis, lack of mental health staff in schools, and transversal themes in the school curricula.
Conclusion and implications for the practice
The need for actions aimed at the training of these professionals is observed, in view of their privileged position for the promotion of food environments, as well as for the prevention and identification of adolescents at risk, with appropriate management and shared referral to the health services.
Keywords:
Suicidal Ideation; Social Vulnerability; Knowledge; Adolescent; School Teachers