Mental Health
Students, if you are experiencing a mental health crisis or are concerned about a friend, please seek assistance from me right away. I am here to help!
Parents, if you have a concern about your student or another during school hours, please contact me immediately. If I am unavailable, please ask to speak with Mr. Bailey. If your child is experiencing a mental health crisis at home, it is very important that they are seen by a mental health provider as soon as possible. If your student is in immediate danger, CALL 911. In any scenario, please contact me so that we can develop a plan of support.
Get Involved, Get Them Help
Suicide is one of the leading causes of preventable death in our nation today. We lose an average of more than 113 young people each week to this tragedy that can be prevented.
Remember: Never be reluctant to get involved and always take any child/adolescent’s desire or intent to harm themselves seriously. If you suspect a young person of suicidal ideation, get them to professional help immediately. Suicide is Preventable.
National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (Available 24/7 )
You can get more resources about suicide at The Jason Foundation.
Warning Signs
Four out of five teens who attempt suicide give clear warning signs.
Warning Signs of suicidal ideation include, but are not limited, to the following:
Talking about suicide
Making statements about feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless
A deepening depression
Preoccupation with death
Taking unnecessary risks or exhibiting self-destructive behavior
Out of character behavior
A loss of interest in the things one cares about
Visiting or calling people one cares about
Making arrangements; setting one’s affairs in order
Giving prized possessions away
Along with these warning signs, there are certain Risk Factors that can elevate the possibility of suicidal ideation.
Perfectionist personalities
Gay and Lesbian youth
Learning disabled youth
Loners
Youth with low self- esteem
Depressed youth
Students in serious trouble
Abused, Molested or Neglected Youth
Genetic predisposition
Parental history of violence, substance abuse, or divorce
Parents, if you observe any of the common warning signs of suicide or depression in your child, it is healthy to calmly express your feelings and concerns. The school counselor is available to assist and help with finding support for you and your child.
If you have concerns about a friend, please talk to your school counselor or a trusted adult immediately.