September is Suicide Awareness Month
SOS at the secondary level
This year WT Sampson Student Support Staff are working to teach students about mental health and how to seek help if they are worried about themselves or a friend. We are using a program called SOS Signs of Suicide. The program teaches students about this difficult topic and encourages them to seek help. The Middle School has completed the presentation. Â We are very proud of the students' engagement and participation. High School students will have the opportunity to participate next week. Â 9th and 10th grade on September 15th, and 11th and 12th grade on September 16th.
SOS has been used by thousands of schools for over 20 years. Studies have shown that it effectively teaches students about depression and suicide while reducing the number of students’ self-reported suicide attempts.
Through the program, students learn:
•that depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help
•how to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend
•to ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about
themselves or a friend
•who they can turn to at school for help
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Students will watch age-appropriate video clips and participate in a guided discussion about depression, suicide, and what to do if they are concerned about a friend. Following the video, students will complete a brief depression screening form. This form cannot provide a diagnosis of depression but does indicate whether a young person should seek help from a mental health professional. At the end of class, students will complete an exit slip which asks whether they would like to talk to an adult about any concerns.
We encourage you to visit www.mindwise.org/parents for information on warning signs for youth suicide, useful resources, and some of the key messages students will learn.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s participation in this program, please contact Emishea.stone@dodea.edu if your student is in middle school or leigh.taylor@dodea.edu if your student is in high school.
