Signs of Suicide Program

Even prior to the pandemic, mental health concerns such as depression were becoming more common among young people and were affecting students at earlier ages. Physical distancing, school and family disruptions and chronic stress associated with the pandemic only served to further exacerbate mental health concerns for many teens. While we know that depression is treatable; we also know that untreated depression is a leading risk factor for suicide.

To proactively address these issues, our school is offering suicide prevention education using the Signs of Suicide (SOS) curriculum. SOS encourages students to seek help if they are concerned about themselves or a friend. SOS is an evidence-based program that has demonstrated an improvement in students’ knowledge and adaptive attitudes about suicide risk and depression, as well as a reduction in actual suicide attempts.

Our goals in participating in this program include teaching students:

• that depression is treatable so they are encouraged to seek help

• how to identify serious depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend

• to ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend

• who they can turn to at school for help, if they need it

Students will watch an age-appropriate video and participate in a guided discussion about depression, suicide, and what to do if they are concerned about a friend. Following the video, students will complete a short screening for depression and a response slip indicating whether they would like to talk to an adult about any concerns.

We encourage you to visit www.sossignsofsuicide.org/parent for information on warning signs for youth suicide, to access useful resources, and to learn more about the key message all students will learn in class.

More information for parents/guardians:

• infographic for you to reinforce the ACT message at home

• info sheet with resources