Suicide Prevention Month: A Call to Action

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a critical time to focus on the well-being of our students and community. Suicide is a complex issue with devastating consequences, but it is preventable. This month's newsletter is designed to equip educators and community partners with the tools and resources needed to identify warning signs, intervene effectively, and to promote mental health and resilience.

Together, we can create a safety net of support that empowers individuals to seek help, reduces stigma, and saves lives.

To learn more about the Wellness in Schools Program, please explore this website.

Understanding Suicide Risk and Information

Our students spend a significant portion of their day in their classrooms, making us uniquely positioned to observe changes in their behavior and emotional well-being. Understanding suicide risk is not about identifying potential crisis; it's about building a supportive and caring school environment where all students feel seen, heard, and valued.

Here's why this knowledge is essential:

• Early Intervention: By recognizing warning signs, educators can intervene early, providing students with the support they need before a crisis occurs.
• Creating a Supportive Climate: A classroom where open communication about mental health is encouraged fosters a sense of belonging and safety.
• Reducing Stigma: Educating ourselves about suicide dispels the myths and reduces the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
• Building Resilience: Teaching students coping skills and stress management techniques can equip them with tools to navigate challenges.
• Collaborating with Families: Understanding suicide risk allows educators to partner effectively with parents and guardians to support students' overall well-being.

Ultimately, our goal is to create schools where every student feels connected, care for, and empowered to seek help when needed. By prioritizing suicide prevention, and mental health support, we can make a profound difference in the lives of our student.

Understanding Suicide Risk and Information Resources:

2013-2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary and Trends

The Jed Foundation - Mental Health Resource Center

Creating Safe Spaces: The Cornerstone of Student Mental Well-Being

A classroom is more than just a place for learning; it's a community where students spend a significant portion of their day. By fostering a safe and open environment, educators can create a safe space where students feel comfortable expressing themselves, building trust, and seeking support.

Why is it Important?

A safe classroom is a precursor to good mental health. When students feel seen, heard, and valued, they are more like to:

• Identify and express their emotions
• Build strong relationships with peers and adults
• Seek help when needed

How to Build a Safe Space

1. Establish Trust: Building rapport with students is essential. Show genuine interest in their lives, celebrate their successes, and be consistent in your actions.
2. Open Communication: Create opportunities for open dialogue. Encourage students to share their thoughts and feelings, and actively listen to their perspectives.
3. Set Clear Expectations: Establish classroom norms that promote respect, empathy, and inclusivity. Reinforce these expectations consistently.
4. Model Healthy Behaviors: Demonstrate effective communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
5. Create a Physically Safe Environment: Ensure the classroom is organized, free from distractions, and conducive to learning.

Becoming a Trusted Adult

By cultivating a safe and open classroom and school environment, you become a trusted adult for your students. This is crucial, as research shows that students who have at least one trusted adult in their lives are less likely to experience a mental health crisis. By investing in this, we are not only creating a better classroom environment but also nurturing the mental health of our students.

Upcoming Wellness in Schools Program Events

Resources

988 and the Crisis Lifeline

988 is now the three-digit dialing code that routes callers to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (or 988 Lifeline). When people call, text, or chat with the 988 Lifeline, they are connected to trained crisis counselors. These crisis counselors are trained to provide free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress and connect them to resources. These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In 2 years since the launch of 988, 10 million contacts have been answered

ABC News

To learn about the impact of 988 Lifeline, visit here

To learn about what happens when you call, text, or chat with 988 lifeline, visit here

Contra Costa Crisis Center

The Contra Costa Crisis Center has a team of counselors who can help students and parents better understand and deal with trauma response and the grief process. They dedicate their services to keep people alive and safe, help them through crisis, and provide or connect them with culturally relevant resources in the community.

To learn more about services, trainings and resources available from Contra Costa Crisis Center, please explore the Contra Costa Crisis Center website here.

Erika's Lighthouse

Erika's Lighthouse is committed to fostering a community of empathy and education. They've developed free mental health, depression, and suicide awareness programs for upper elementary, middle, and high school students, empowering educators, families, and students to create safe spaces for learning about mental health. By emphasizing support and understanding, Erika's Lighthouse lets students and families know they're never alone and that there are resources available to turn to. Sign up for Erika's Lighthouse free programs through their portal, here.

Upcoming Trainings from WISP Partners

August 2024 Recap

Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health Awareness at Back To School Nights

Dallas Ranch Middle School hosted a diverse range of vendors and community partners, including Bridge Builders to the New Generation, Inc., Community Health for Asian Americans (CHAA), and Contra Costa Health-Parent Navigator, among others.

These partners played a crucial role in raising mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and helping to create a culture of safety and support on campus. Their presence and resources provided valuable information and support to students, parents, and staff alike.

Multiple East Contra Costa Schools have been providing essential mental health resources for their families and students. There has been a great variety of resources provided at Back-to-School nights at Mission and Sutter Elementary, Dallas Ranch Middle School, and Deer Valley High School. These efforts aim to ensure that every school community is equipped with the knowledge and tools to foster a safe and supportive environment for all students.

As we continue to prioritize mental wellness in our schools, providing mental health resources at events like these are essential. They not only educate but also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for the well-being of our students. We look forward to more collaborative efforts in the future to ensure that every student feels safe, supported, and understood.

Shout out to WISP Liaisons Mary Lucido and Kevanne Dobbs for their efforts to bring mental health resources to East Contra Costa County. If you would like to learn more about how the Wellness in Schools Program (WISP) can support your school events, please reach out to us.

Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future for our students.