National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Written By tom snyder

This past Sunday, September 10th was the World Suicide Prevention Day, and September serves as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is preventable with the correct resources and trainings, and we are committed to helping equip our school community with the necessary resources to support anyone who may be struggling. Coming up in November, our Sophomores will be participating in Nationwide Children’s Signs of Suicide Program. Within this Program, our sophomores will also learn about warning signs to look for in their peers, and learn how everyone can play a critical role in preventing suicide. Below is some of the information that they will be learning, along with some helpful terminology for all in our community.

Warning Signs

Be aware of any major changes that you may notice. These changes could be behavioral, physical, or even how someone is thinking or feeling. Some examples are below:

  • Trouble focusing or making decisions

  • Sense of worthlessness

  • Irritability

  • Withdrawal

  • Low Energy

  • Enjoying activities, hobbies, or things much less than usual

Keep an eye on the duration of these changes as well. If they persist for 2 weeks or more, it may be time to ACT.

Acknowledge- Acknowledge that there is a problem and it is serious.

Care- Show you care about your friend.

Tell- Tell the school’s mental health contact/trusted adult. In our school this would be the child’s school counselor or another trusted adult.

Risk Factors:

  • Depression

  • Substance abuse

  • Previous attempt

  • Loss of a relationship/person

  • Male

  • Impulsive behavior

  • Feeling hopeless or trapped

  • Pressure to be perfect

Remember: asking about suicide does not put thoughts into someone’s head. If they are talking about suicide, take it seriously.

tom snyder
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