By Alyviah Sanchez
Suicide Prevention Month
September was Suicide Prevention and Awareness month. It is a month dedicated to remembering lives lost to suicide in addition to the millions who struggle with suicidal thoughts and mental illnesses, including the impact on their loved ones.
El Diamante designated a week, September 11-15, to bringing awareness to this often misunderstood illness. Homerooms participated in activities such as the positive post-it heart messages and there were classrooms open every day at lunch for various self-care activities, such as listening to calming music and drawing. The entire month is dedicated highlighting this difficult topic.
El Diamante High School Psychologist, Ashley Janelli was interviewed to give some insight into Suicide Prevention Month for this article.
Is there a way to predict someone is struggling with depression or mental health issues?
JANELLI: There is no one way to predict if someone is struggling with depression or mental health issues, but there are many suicide warning signs to be aware of, such as: isolation, self-harm, frequently talking about death, drastic changes in mood and behavior, making suicide threats, or giving away things.
What is the purpose of suicide prevention month?
JANELLI: The main purpose of recognizing suicide prevention month is to acknowledge those affected by suicide, raise awareness, and connect students with support services if needed.
What should you do if someone tells you they are thinking about suicide?
JANELLI: If someone does let you know that they are having suicidal thoughts, always take them seriously. Encourage them to talk with a trusted adult on campus about what is going on. If your friend is unwilling to talk with someone, we want to encourage you to let an adult on campus know your concerns about your friend. You can remain anonymous; we just want to make sure that we can meet with your friend to develop a safety plan and offer the support needed to keep them safe and alive. It may seem scary to reach out to staff about your concerns, but it is the best thing to do by showing that you care. You can encourage your friend to call 988 for help.
Do you have any advice for someone struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts?
JANELLI: If you’re struggling, it’s okay to share your feelings. Your feelings of pain are very real, but it’s important to know that they can pass. It could be helpful for you to talk to someone about how you’re feeling. Find things to do that help you feel safe and protected during the moments your thoughts feel overwhelming. You matter. Your life matters. It’s okay to not be okay sometimes, but just know that you are not alone in this, and there is staff on campus to be a listening ear for you.
More Information:
In 2020 there was an estimated 1.2 million suicide attempts. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among the ages of 15-24. Around 20% of children and adolescents in the world have a mental health condition.
Mental health involves your social, psychological, and emotional well being. It can affect how a person thinks, feels, and acts. Just like your physical health, mental health is important throughout all stages of life.
Suicidal thoughts are very common among young adults and from the ages (18-25). However, according to The National Alliance on Mental Illness, the numbers are higher for high school students; it says that 20% of high school teens report thoughts of suicide and 9% have made an attempt to end their lives. Suicide rates have increased by 36%
Almost 1 billion people suffer from mental disorders, 350 million of those happen to be some type of depression, and more than 700,000 people a year take their own lives, meaning suicide is one of the largest causes of deaths worldwide.
Know the warning signs and educate yourself on mental health and suicide prevention. Check in on your loved ones and yourself; you are not alone. Your mind and emotions matter, talk about them.
Warning Signs
- Extreme mood swings
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Giving away possessions
- Losing interest in activities
- Talking about death or suicide
- Withdrawing from friends and family.
How you can Help
- Watch out for the warnings signs
- Be a good listener
- Let them know you are there
- Don’t dismiss them
- Speak up if you are worried about someone
- Encourage them to seek help
- Stay connected
- Make sure they are safe and not alone.
Call or text 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you or someone you know is experiencing mental health related distress and is in need of crisis support.