Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

October 2013

Good Morning!

My name is Deb Harrison and I am the clinician here at Black River Middle and High School. I just wanted to introduce myself and share with you that this week is Suicide Prevention Awareness month.

As the school year starts, we know that this can be a time of stress and anxiety for many kids. Major changes in schedules, peers, season, all can contribute to feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. Unfortunately we also know that some people, especially young people, consider suicide as a way to manage. One proven way to decrease suicide in our community is to increase awareness of this issue and to know the warning signs. A few of these signs are:

Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself

Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain Talking about being a burden to others

Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly Sleeping too little or too much

Withdrawing or feeling isolated

Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge Displaying extreme mood swings

Giving away possessions

*Warning signs from www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

As a way to increase awareness here at school, tomorrow I will be asking all students to add the National Suicide Hotline number into their phones. We know that hotline numbers help many who are in need of immediate support, and this is a great way for students to have the number if ever they need it for themselves, their friends, or their families. I would recommend you add this to your phone as well; it is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

IF YOU ARE CONCERNED about your student being at risk, PLEASE call me at 802-228-3505, or call the local crisis team at 1-800-622-4235. I can provide you with information, resources, education, or support. No concern is too minor. Again, we know increased awareness works to prevent teen suicide. Please talk about this with your children; let them know I will be giving them the number tomorrow, and that I am a resource if they are worried about themselves or a friend being at risk.

Thank you for your time!

Deb




Additional Resources:

YellowRibbon.org - For the prevention of teen suicide www.suicidology.org

www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org www.afsp.org