In the era of Covid-19, as we all try to protect our mental health and cope with uncertainty, it’s more important than ever that we be there for our staff, students, and parents and take steps to prevent suicide. Many of our schools will begin providing the “Signs of Suicide (SOS)” modules to our 6th and 9th grade students. This teaches students how to:

1. ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell)

2. Seek a trusted adult for support

3. Access mental health resources

Check out the many resources on-line through your national organizations such as SWAA, NASP, and ASCA.

National Alliance on Mental Health:

Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.

Every year thousands of individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members to navigate the tradgey of loss. In many cases, friends and families affected by suicide loss (often called “suicide loss survivors”) are left in the dark. Too often the feelings of shame and stigma prevent them from talking openly.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month-ad time to share resources and stories in an effort to shed light on this highly taboo and stigmatized topic. We use this month to reach out to those affected by suicide, raise awareness and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services. It is also important to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to resources they need to discuss suicide prevention. -NAMI

https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-awareness-month

APS Communication Regarding Social Media Video Depicting Death by Suicide