Mental Health Matters

September 2022 - Suicide Prevention Month

Anyone, anywhere can help prevent suicide.

Did you know that someone in the United States takes his or her own life

every 13 minutes?

WARNING SIGNS CAN INCLUDE:

Self-destructive behavior such as increased drug or alcohol use

Anxiety, agitation, irritability, aggression, recklessness

Sleeplessness or sleeping too much

Depression or mood swings

Loss of interest

Withdrawing from family and friends

Talking about dying or wanting to die

If you suspect someone is contemplating suicide, don’t wait.

Getting help immediately is crucial and can help save a life. We offer no-cost assessments, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call, text or chat 988 to receive help immediately.

The Lifeline and 988

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), and is now active across the United States. When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network.

988lifeline.org

Suicide does not discriminate

People of all genders, ages and ethnicities can be at risk and there is no single cause. Knowing the warning signs and how to get help can help save lives.

THE MAIN RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE ARE:

Depression, other mental disorders or substance use disorder

Certain medical conditions/chronic pain

A prior suicide attempt

Family history of a mental disorder, substance use or suicide

Family violence

Access to unsecured firearms

Having recently been released from prison

Being exposed to others’ suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers or celebrities

Local prevention activities you can GET INVOLVED in!!!

zoom_out_map open_in_new

Learn about The Mason Williams Foundation

https://masonwilliamsfoundation.org

GRIT N WIT:

Back to School Mental Health Challenge and Fair

Sunday, September 18, 2022

9:00 am

Delran High School

50 Hartford Road, Delran, NJ 08075

Registration Below - Scan QR Code

Increase your awareness and understanding of suicide risk and prevention by viewing the PBS documentary series Facing Suicide/Understanding Suicide shared below.

Check out the PBS website for more stories of hope and recovery!

PBS Facing Suicide documentary series

Facing Suicide | Preview | PBS

Facing Suicide FACING SUICIDE combines the poignant personal stories of people impacted by suicide with profiles of scientists at the forefront of research to reveal new insights into one of America's most pressing mental health crises. Shining a light on this difficult topic can destigmatize suicide while revealing that there is help as well as hope for those at risk and their loved ones.

pbs.org

Understanding Suicide: Reasons to Hope

Facing Suicide | Understanding Suicide: Reasons to Hope | PBS

Facing Suicide Suicide prevention experts agree that a critical factor in understanding and preventing suicide is hope. Across the United States, communities are learning about suicide prevention and taking steps to help friends and loved ones in crisis. Aired: 08/26/22 Rating: TV-14 Problems Playing Video? Report a Problem |

pbs.org

If this topic or these videos resonate with you and you'd like to talk with someone about it, contact any of the in-school support staff listed below, any of crisis text/chat lines shared in this newsletter, a friend, family member, neighbor, coach, etc.

Reaching out is the BEST course of action!

Crisis Hotlines

The Chill Room

WESTECH SUPPORTS:

School Counseling Staff:

Mr. Fitzgerald, School Counselor (A-F) sfitzgerald@burlcoschools.org
Ms. Johnson, School Counselor (Cru_Har) bjohnson@burlcoschools.org
Mr. Frable, School Counselor (Has-McC) jfrable@burlcoschools.org
Mrs. Digney, School Counselor (McD-Ris) kdigney@burlcoschools.org
Mrs. Sabatino, School Counselor (Rit-T) msabatino@burlcoschools.org
Mrs. Daily, School Counselor (Wa-Z) jdaily@burlcoschools.org

Child Study Team Staff:

Mrs. Artz, Learning Consultant, bartz@burlcoschools.org
Ms. Christian, School Social Worker, mchristian@burlcoschools.org
Dr. Clayton, School Psychologist, jclayton@burlcoschools.org

Other Student Support Staff:

Ms. Cech, Student Assistance Counselor ccech@burlcoschools.org

Officer Moran, Student Resource Officer ment@burlcoschools.org
Mrs. Fowler, School Nurse hfowler@burlcoschools.org

Ms. Cech's Student Assistance Website

WesTech's Guidance Counseling Services Website