We know that conversations about suicide are difficult. As we promote social-emotional well-being at school, we would like to provide you with some information and resources to help you have a conversation with your student. According to Nationwide Childrens’ Hospital “asking a child directly about suicidal thoughts is usually the best thing a parent can do to help their child open up about their emotions. Even if their child is not struggling with suicide or depression, parents can model for their child that it is good to talk about serious emotional concerns with trusted adults and important to reach out to friends to have these conversations, too.” In almost all cases, suicide can be traced to unrecognized, or untreated mental health, or a result from a variety of risk factors and personal conditions that combine to make a person feel hopeless. Suicide can happen to a person regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, or economic status.

     Here you will find a Safety Plan created to facilitate a discussion between you and your student about what he/she should do if thoughts of self-harm ever arose. If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding your student, please contact me at the school at 256-245-5700. I am here to support you and your student in any way possible.

Kate Barton

School Counselor