~High School~ SEL & Wellness

Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.

September is Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness of this urgently important crisis. We use this month to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

Crisis Resources

• If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately.
• You can also chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.
• Know the Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Suicide
• Being Prepared for a Crisis
• Read our guide, “Navigating a Mental Health Crisis”
• What You Need to Know About Youth Suicide

Need more information, referrals or support? Contact the NAMI HelpLine.

• 79% of all people who die by suicide are male.
• Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4x more likely to die by suicide.
• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14, the 3rd leading cause of death among those aged 15-24 and the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
• 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition — but research suggests that 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.

• Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, by U.S. demographic group:
  • U.S. Adults: 4.8%
  • Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander: 7.4%
  • Mixed/Multiracial: 8.2%
  • American Indian/Alaska Native: 8.5%
  • Young adults aged 18-25: 13%
  • High school students: 22%
  • LGBTQ youth: 41%
• The highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaskan Natives, followed by non-Hispanic white people.
• Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.
• Transgender adults are nearly 9x more likely to attempt suicide at some point in their life compared to their peers.
• Suicide is the leading cause of death for people held in local jails.

1. Encourage physical self-care. Talk with your teenager about healthy habits such as diet, nutrition and exercise and how they’re all related. Several studies show the positive effects a healthy diet and regular exercise have on mental wellbeing.
2. Foster mental and emotional care. Share how journaling, creating art or music, or finding a new hobby such as cooking, can vastly improve inner peace and joy. Consider giving your teen a new journal or cooking utensil for that little extra push of encouragement.
3. Discuss social media usage. Social media apps, such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat, play an influential role in the lives of young people. In a Pew Research Foundation study, 86% of teens who use TikTok and Snapchat say they are on the platform daily, with a quarter saying they are on the site or app constantly. Talk to your teen about their social media usage and how it may impact their mental health.
4. Teach healthy boundaries. Teenagers may find it helpful to learn how to set limits. This can help with social media usage, completing homework or socializing. For example, if your teenager doesn’t feel up to hanging out with friends, help come up with some boundary-setting phrases, such as, “Thanks for the offer, but I can’t today. Maybe next time.” Teaching your teenager how to set healthy boundaries is something they’ll practice the rest of their lives.
5. Talk openly about mental health. The best way to destigmatize mental health is discussion. Talk with your teenager about your own mental health challenges, if any. Point to statistics that can help them understand how common mental health challenges are and that there is no shame in asking for help.
   
   

Parents and guardians — and anyone who works or interacts with teenagers — can find more training, support and resources by getting certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid. This evidence-based curriculum teaches parents, adults, teachers, coaches and more how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or may be in crisis.

For more information on this article, visit Mental Health First Aid.

TCHATT provides telemedicine or telehealth programs to school districts to help identify and assess the behavioral health needs of children and adolescents and provide access to mental health services. Cuero ISD is proud to be part of this program that helps students get access to mental health treatment and resources. This program is free for students and is available throughout the year, even in the summer. If you would like more information about TCHATT, you can visit their website https://tcmhcc.utsystem.edu/tchatt/ or contact Lacy Timpone at ltimpone@cueroisd.org.

Ruby Rodriguez, M.Ed. ~ Director of Special Programs

Lacy Timpone, M.Ed., LPC ~ School Climate Specialist

Courtney Kalinowski, M.S., LPC ~ School Climate Specialist

Kathy Scott, LMSW~ School Climate Specialist

Website: https://www.cueroisd.org/
Location: 960 E Broadway St, Cuero, TX, USA
Phone: 361-275-1900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cueroisd