“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be Kind. Always.”

September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, and Friday, September 10th, is World Suicide Prevention Day. The reality we face is that suicide affects people of all ages and backgrounds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34, the fourth leading cause among people ages 35-44, and the fifth leading cause among people ages 45-54 in the United States.

It's important that staff and administrators recognize that mental health challenges are on the rise in education and that they consider the impact of the role they play in supporting students affected by them. They also should be educated and aware of the causes of suicide, familiar with the warning signs, and understand the risk factors.

Suicide prevention starts with buy-in from administration, staff training, and empowerment of mental health professionals within a school setting. The more the adults learn and implement self-care strategies and tactics to help create a culture of support and learn about coping and emotional skills, the more they can model good behavior and help students nurture their own mental health.

At Collaborative Learning Solutions, we believe in creating a community of belonging and implementing self-care and resiliency to combat suicide. For schools, this means fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment where people care for one another. We know that just one small positive interaction could save a person's life!

Here are some free resources to check out when thinking about suicide prevention and awareness:

Additionally, here are some free apps to help with mental health wellness:

For more information about our school climate solutions, mental health trainings, and trauma support, please contact us.