The SAC Chronicle

Student Assistance Counselor

jlopes@tenafly.k12.nj.us

Each year on September 10th it is world suicide prevention day. On this day we can create awareness and commitment to prevent suicides from occurring.

What you can do if someone is thinking about suicide?

• Encourage the person to speak to a counselor, trusted adult and/or a parent. If it is an emergency call 911 to get immediate assistance.
• Listen and support the individual who is seeking assistance. Make sure to have a nonjudgmental attitude while being there for the person.
• Keep the individual safe and calm. If you are showing the person that you are calm, cool and collective there is a better chance that they will start to relax and open up about what they are feeling and why they are feeling that way.
• Follow up with the person to make sure that they have received the guidance needed.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) acknowledges the month of September as National Recovery month to educate Americans about substance use treatment and mental health services. This movement empowers individuals that have mental health and/or substance use disorders to live a healthy and rewarding life. Recovery month celebrates the efforts made by those who are already in recovery, just as we celebrate health improvements made by individuals who are managing other health conditions (diabetes, asthma, and heart disease). The observance also reinforces a positive message that behavioral health is one of the most important factors to a person's overall well-being.

1. Know the warning signs: For example a person may withdrawal from their normal activities. To learning about more warning signs visit the website below.

https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/substance-abuse-services/treatment---recovery/treatment---recovery/prescription-for-success/warning-signs-of-drug-abuse.html

2. Approaching the issues: Sometimes it's hard to have a difficult conversation about what's going on. Do your best to express your concern(s) to your loved one. It's important to show them that you are willing to listen and be there for them throughout the recovery process.

3. Learn about mental health and substance abuse conditions and treatments: One of the best things you can to help someone you care about is to know the process that they are going through. Get familiar with each step they are going to achieve.

4. Help address potential barriers: Do your best to help address any obstacles the person is seeking for assistance. For example, find any available local resources, arrange transportation, childcare and etc.

5. Seek support for you and your family: It's always a great idea to help your loved ones, but it is also important to take care of yourself emotionally and physically. If you need to talk to someone about how you are feeling, don't be afraid to do so.

6. Expectations: It's important to have realistic expectations. Recovery is not something that happens overnight. There might be some setbacks down the road, but it is vital to work as a team and be supportive for the individual seeking assistance.