September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. Over the past week, Leadership students have successfully facilitated events that encourage students to look out for one another as well as remind students that they are not alone when life gets tough. From sharing struggles and triumphs, to providing crisis support resources, to encouraging the making of friendship bracelets for a stranger, Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month has allowed students the opportunity to reach out to one another in an integral way. A major goal of the Wellness Center is to ensure that students know that they are supported not only by school staff, but by their peers as well.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34, more than AIDS, lung disease, birth defects, flu, and cancer combined. Suicide is not inevitable for anyone. By starting the conversation, offering support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicides and save lives. Learn the warning signs and risk factors HERE and if your student shows signs of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255). Sources: suicidepreventionlifeline.org; ndbh.com.