Whitehall 6-12 Guidance Counselor Check-in

Welcome back! I hope students and families are settling into the school year just great! I have heard a bunch of positives about the start of the school year from staff, students and families and I would like to commend you all for the work you are doing.

I wanted to provide some resources and reminders on a topic that I feel is very important to be familiar with. Sunday September 5th through Saturday September 11th was National Suicide Prevention Week. This topic is one that can be touchy and difficult to manage without proper knowledge or resources. The old adage is that it "takes a village" and that statement is particularly true when working with someone who is experiencing these issues. Here are some warning signs, facts, and resources to refresh everyone's mind on the topic. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out at any time. I may be reached at (406) 287-3862 ext. 2122 and Ms. Jessop (K-5 Counselor) may be reached at (406) 287-3882 ext. 2111.

What to Watch For:

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself;

• Looking for a way to kill oneself;

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose;

• Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain;

• Talking about being a burden to others;

• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs;

• Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless;

• Sleeping too little/too much;

• Withdrawing or feeling isolated;

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge; and

• Extreme mood swings.

Individual Impact:

• 78% of all people who die by suicide are male.

• Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are nearly 4x more likely to die by suicide.

• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–34 and the 10th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.

• The overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 35% since 1999.

• 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition.

• While nearly half of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition, research shows that 90% experienced symptoms.

Community Impact:

• Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, by U.S. demographic group:

- 4.8% of all adults

- 11.8% of young adults aged 18-25

- 18.8% of high school students

- 46.8% of lesbian, gay and bisexual high school students

• Some of the highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic white communities.

• Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.

• Transgender adults are nearly 12x more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.

• Suicide is the leading cause of death for people held in local jails.

If you know someone in crisis and it is an emergency, please call 911. Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) at 1–800–273–TALK (8255), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to everyone. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1–800–799–4889. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend's social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the NSPL's website at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

The Crisis Text Line is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Text "HOME" to 741741.