National Suicide Prevention Month
Youth Suicide Prevention
September is National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month
The Social-Emotional and Mental Health of our students is a top priority. St Lucie Public Schools is joining Jason Foundation, a national organization dedicated to raising awareness and preventing the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide. Included in this publication are educational tools and resources to support youth. These tools include youth suicide warning signs to look for, staff than can help at our schools, a community helpline, courses for educators and families about sicide prevention, and a FREE downloadable phone app to help a friend or someone that you know that may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. WE are asking that you take the challenge #IWONTBESILENT.
St. Lucie Public Schools Joins the Challenge #IWONTBESILENT
Challenge students in grades 6- 12, staff, families, and friends to join! Share iwontbesilent.com or wewontbesilent.com. Use the #iwontbesilent or #wewontbesilent on all of your social media accounts. Change your social media profile picture to one of you holding a #IWONTBESILENT or #WEWONTBESILENT sign. You can also make one with the attached printable signs (below). Suicide is PREVENTABLE!
School Mental Health Professionals Can Help
Educators
- Build relationships with your students.
- Watch and listen to your students and pay attention to sudden changes in behavior that cause you concern.
- If you are concerned about a student, seek assistance from the mental health professionals on your school campus.
- Educate yourself on how you should respond in the event that a student is in crisis if a student is experiencing a crisis.
- Participate in Youth Mental Health First Aid Training offered by SLPS.
Students
You can make a difference and help us fight the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide.
- Take the #IWONTBESILENT challenge and get your friends talking about the problem of youth suicide. Share iwontbesilent.com or wewontbesilent.com. Use the #iwontbesilent or #wewontbesilent on all of your social media accounts.
- Be there for a friend by being observant, asking questions, listening, responding and get help for your friend.
- Never keep a friends suicidal thoughts to yourself. Know who you can turn to for help and guidance such as a parent, teacher, coach or a trusted adult to seek professional help.
Parents
You can make a difference! Below is a list of things you can do to support your youth or someone that you know:
- Educate yourself about the magnitude of the problem, the signs of concern, and the tools of prevention.
- Watch and listen to your children and pay attention to sudden changes in behavior that cause you concern.
- Be willing to seek professional help and guidance if you feel your child is becoming depressed or contemplating hurting him/herself.
- Talk openly and honestly with your child or your child’s friends about your concerns and be supportive in helping them cope with their feelings.
211 Community Helpline Available 24/7
Call 2-1-1 to speak with a highly trained resource specialist.
Calls to 211 HelpLine are Free, Confidential, and available 24/7!
211 is a community helpline and crisis hotline that provides suicide prevention, crisis intervention, information, assessment, and referral to community services for people of all ages.
Serving: St. Lucie County, Indian River County, Martin County, Okeechobee County, and
Palm Beach County
Caring staff will listen to each individual's situation to provide information on available social services, mental health services, community services and resources that include food assistance, medical clinics, foreclosure prevention, parenting info on developmental concerns (Help Me Grow) & special needs, senior services that include free "Sunshine" daily calls, services for teens and more.