Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness, promote hope, and normalize help-seeking. Suicide affects millions of people every year, yet too many struggle in silence. This month is dedicated to recognizing the warning signs for suicide, encouraging open conversations about mental health, and connecting people to proven treatment and resources. When we stand together in strength, dignity, hope, and purpose, we can make a difference—we can help save lives.

- SAMHSA

• Mental health disorders (depression, anxiety disorders)

• Substance use disorder

• Access to a means to kill oneself (i.e., lethal means such as guns or medications)

• Previous suicide attempt(s)

• Family history of suicide or mental health disorders

• Childhood abuse, neglect, or trauma

• Exposure to the suicide of another person

• Stressful life circumstances (e.g., school problems, academic and/or disciplinary; family problems; relationship problems or breakups; bullying; legal problems)

Suicide involves the interplay of multiple risk factors. Sometimes stressful life circumstances can serve as tipping points and trigger suicidal behavior in adolescents who are already at increased risk.

(Adapted from AFSP, 2018, and AFSP & SPRC, 2018)

The 988 Lifeline is for everyone. Through the 988 Lifeline, you have access to free, quality, one-on-one assistance. Our skilled, judgment-free counselors are here to provide compassionate support. You deserve to feel heard and cared about anytime, anywhere, 24/7/365.

You can call, text, or chat online.

And it works. About 98 percent of people who call, chat, or text the 988 Lifeline get the crisis support they need and do not require additional services in that moment.

Ask: Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.

Be there: Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.

Keep them safe: A number of studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently suicide rates overall decline.

Help them stay connected: Studies indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.

• Your school's mental health professional
• Call or text 988 - The National Suicide/Crisis Hotline
• You can also chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org
• Call 911 or go take the person to the local Emergency Department
• Text "talk" to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line
• Call your local county crisis unit

The suicide—or violent or unexpected death—of a student, teacher, well-known community member, or even a celebrity can increase suicide risk among vulnerable young people. Therefore, an essential part of any crisis or suicide prevention plan is responding appropriately to a situation that may put students at risk for suicide. This type of response is often called postvention and can be managed by the school administration and/or mental health staff. In a school setting, there are a number of recommended postvention measures that may be taken. Find out if your school has a postvention plan, and if so, what is included in it.

Please feel free to contact the MIU IV School Social Work Team!

Sara Joseph, LSW, C-SSWS

Bryda Drumm, LSW, H&SV, C-SSWS

Jennifer Guthrie, LCSW, C-SSWS

socialwork@miu4.org