September is Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and discuss this urgently important crisis.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) uses this month to spread hope and vital information to people affected by suicide and suicidal ideation. The goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help. Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. Though suicidal thoughts are common, they are not a normal response to stress, and they often indicate more serious issues.

Learn the warning signs of suicide.  

The National Association of School Psychologists offers these tips for parents and educators for preventing youth suicide.

WCPSS has a variety of resources and supports available to help students who are at risk of and/or struggling with mental health issues.

This includes core social-emotional learning and engagement in the classroom; behavioral health support services; counseling with specialized instructional support personnel, such as counselors, psychologists, and social workers; school-based mental health services; mental health support and crisis services coordinated with Alliance Healthcare.

Parents can always reach out to their child’s school counselor, who can help you connect to support or access services.

You can #BeThe1To help save a life by using these five action steps for communicating with someone who may be suicidal:

• Ask.
• Be there.
• Keep them safe.
• Help them connect.
• Follow up.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call, text, or chat 988, immediately (chat available at 988Lifeline.org).