In the United States, September is a month of profound significance, marked by a collective effort to raise awareness about a critical and often stigmatized issue: suicide. Suicide Prevention Month, observed throughout the nation, stands as a testament to our commitment to saving lives and fostering mental health. This annual observance is more than just a time to acknowledge the statistics and share helpline numbers; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community support.
Now is always a good time to dive into some details about suicide, identifying warning signs, and how schools and students play a role in preventing it.
What is Suicide?
Suicide is when people harm themselves with the goal of ending their life, and they die as a result. A suicide attempt is when people harm themselves with the goal of ending their life, but they do not die. Avoid using terms such as “committing suicide,” “successful suicide,” or “failed suicide” when referring to suicide and suicide attempts, as these terms often carry negative meanings.
Who is at Risk for Suicide?
People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk for suicide.
The main risk factors for suicide are:
- A mental health illness such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or oppositional defiant disorder.
- A substance use disorder.
- Family history of mood disorders, suicide, or actions that could lead to suicide.
- Being exposed to the suicide of a family member or friend.
- History of physical or sexual abuse or being exposed to violence or bullying.
- Access to means of suicide, such as guns or medicines.
- Losing close friends or family members or having conflicts with them.
- Being gender diverse with risk factors such as bullying and family or social conflicts.
- Children who have attempted suicide in the past also are at greater risk.
Most people who have risk factors for suicide will not attempt suicide, and it is difficult to tell who will act on suicidal thoughts. Although risk factors for suicide are important to keep in mind, someone who is showing warning signs of suicide may be at higher risk for danger and need immediate attention.
Stressful life events (such as the loss of a loved one, legal troubles, or financial difficulties) and interpersonal stressors (such as shame, harassment, bullying, discrimination, or relationship troubles) may contribute to suicide risk, especially when they occur along with suicide risk factors.
What are the Warning Signs of Suicide?
- Talking or writing about suicide. For example, making statements such as "I'm going to kill myself" or "I won't be a problem for you much longer."
- Using more and more alcohol or drugs.
- Feeling trapped, hopeless, or helpless about a situation.
- Doing risky or self-destructive things.
- Giving away personal items for no apparent, logical reason.
- Changing routine, including eating or sleeping patterns.
- Becoming less social and wanting to be alone.
- Having mood swings.
- Suicidal teens also might have personality changes or become very anxious or agitated when they experience some of the warning signs listed above
What is Grant Us Hope?
Grant is Hope is a nonprofit organization that equips parents, school personnel, community members, and, most importantly, students with the skills they need to know to identify struggling people and get them the support they need before it's too late. Grant Us Hope is the licensed provider of the Hope Squad program. The Hope Squad is an evidence-based suicide prevention program. This school-based initiative includes an ongoing mental health/suicide prevention program. The program includes an ongoing mental health/suicide prevention curriculum and empowers youth to apply their learning to the school community. Grant Us Hope Seeks to reduce suicide, de-stigmatize mental illness, and provide mental health support for youth in crisis.
Grant Us Hope’s mission is to equip parents, school personnel, community members, and, most importantly, students with the skills they need to identify these youth struggling before it’s too late. Their “Hope Squads” are currently in 237 schools in 105 districts throughout Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeastern Indiana. These school-based, peer-to-peer student programs emphasize suicide prevention and foster a culture of belonging – and the efforts are lessening struggles and saving lives.
How Does It Work?
The Hope Squad program's curriculum utilizes QPR techniques emphasizing suicide prevention fundamentals, self-care, and anti-bullying practices. The purpose of the curriculum is to create shared knowledge and understanding within the school community and does not replace the role of school counselors.
Hope Squad members are nominated by their peers and taught by trained advisors to recognize suicide warning signs, report concerns, and raise awareness of mental health and youth suicide.
Why Start a Hope Squad?
Starting a suicide prevention support group can have a profound impact on your community. By training staff and community members in evidence-based youth suicide prevention techniques, you create a knowledgeable and compassionate network. Empowering natural helpers with peer-to-peer training enhances the support system within your school. The group can also raise awareness about mental health resources and educate students on recognizing warning signs and reporting concerns sensitively. Through these efforts, the support group helps students learn how to assist their struggling peers and fosters a more inclusive and emotionally supportive environment. This, in turn, encourages increased help-seeking behaviors and ultimately contributes to reducing suicide attempts among youth in your community.
Hope Squad Members Strive To:
- Create a safe school environment
- Promote connectedness
- Support anti-bullying
- Encourage mental wellness
- Reduce mental health stigma
- Prevent substance misuse
Why Involve Students in Suicide Prevention?
Many students are already discussing heavy topics like depression and suicide. Without training, students may keep a peer's suicidal thoughts secret and try to help the peer themselves. This causes undue burden and can do more harm than good. If a Hope Squad member learns someone has suicidal thoughts, they know how to respond and where to get help.
There is Hope
Even when Suicide Prevention Month draws to a close, let us remember that the mission to save lives and promote mental well-being is not limited to just one month; it's a commitment that should extend throughout the year. The stories shared, the conversations started, and the resources made available during this month are powerful reminders of our collective capacity to make a difference. Let's carry this momentum forward, advocating for mental health awareness, supporting those in need, and working to eliminate the stigma surrounding suicide. Together, we can make every month a time for healing, compassion, and hope. Let's continue to stand united in the fight against suicide, because every life is precious, and every moment counts.
Vicky Clark serves the ESC in partnership with Grant Us Hope, a non-profit organization centered on student mental health and well-being, as the Senior Director of Programming.
She is passionate about helping struggling adolescents and young adults. With over 35 years of experience in education, serving as the Assistant Superintendent, Director of Elementary Curriculum, Director of Student Support Services, Principal, and teacher has allowed me to gain valuable experience supporting youth mental health. Her credentials also include a Bachelor of Science Degree from The Ohio State University, a master's degree from Wright State University in Curriculum and Supervision, and continuing studies at Ashland University, obtaining a superintendent license. She is also a certified QPR and Youth Mental Health First Aid trainer and Staff Wellness facilitator.
She is committed to equipping parents, school personnel, community members, and students with the tools they need to identify struggling youth through advocacy, education, and support.