Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

This month is an excellent opportunity to promote resources and awareness around the issues of suicide prevention. Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background.  It is the third leading cause of death among young people and is often the result of mental health conditions that affect people when they are most vulnerable.

Some common warning signs exhibited by students may be;

-       Changes in school performance

-       Poor choices about safety

-       Depression

-       Change in peer group

-       Self-mutilation

-       Sudden cheerfulness after depression

-       Radical change in personality

-       Talking about funerals and death

-       Closure of friendships, relationships

-       Increased risk taking

If someone notices potential risk signs and/or behaviors with students, district officials ask for the immediate notification to the principal, school counselor or health clinician at the student’s campus. They will then take the appropriate steps to promptly evaluate the student and/or their situation.