The S Word

I won't leave you guessing. The word is Suicide. Every year I feel compelled to point out the serious mental health issue of depression, especially during the months of January and February. Unfortunately, the school district I work in experienced a suicide about a month ago. He was only 14, a ninth grader. Experts say there are almost always signs. I went over to sit with students the day after it happened, and many of them told me, "I had no idea. No one saw any signs."

Before this happened, the district counselors had scheduled a training in suicide prevention, so a couple of weeks later, we gathered in one of the middle schools to hear a presentation from a hospital social worker on how we can best help in these situations.  He suggested something called QPR- Question, Persuade, Refer. Ask a Question, Save a Life, by Paul Quinnnett, Ph.D. www.qprinstitute.com. This website offers an individual online training of $29.95 or options for group or organizational training.

Another very useful tool for teenagers or those who work with teenagers is a free app for your phone or tablet called Jason Foundation A Friend Asks. Their website also has a lot of free, helpful information. Click here: The Jason Foundation

If you are not sure if someone is suicidal, watch for these signs:

Suicidal talk, such as, "I wish I were dead," "I wish I weren't here anymore," "I want to kill myself," etc.
A known previous attempt
Giving things away i.e. special or personal items
Lingering depression
Increased or new drug or alcohol abuse
Purchase of a gun unexpectedly
Stockpiling prescription medication

If you are inexperienced or scared to talk to someone about suicide, call a school counselor or social worker for a school aged child, or you can call 1-800-273-8255, which is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Website: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Let's wrap our arms and hearts around each other and help save lives.