September 1, 2020
#KeepGoing
YScreen Recognizes September as Suicide Awareness Month
National Suicide Prevention Week: September 6th-12th, 2020
When suicidal behaviors are detected early, lives can be saved. Please join YScreen in supporting suicide prevention. Together we can reduce the number of lives shaken by a needless and tragic death. Consider these facts:
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death both nationally and in Wisconsin
- In 2020, results of the Fond du Lac County Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) Survey, 14% of 8th, 10th & 11th grade respondents reported they have seriously considered suicide. This is a decrease from a high of 21% in 2006, but there is still work to be done as no loss is ever acceptable. Six percent of respondents state they have attempted suicide, which has remained fairly consistent over the years.
- YScreen is the only program in our community that addresses the issue of teen emotional health and suicide prevention through screening and connection to services. When your 9th grader brings home YScreen information, take time to read it and return the permission slip.
- YScreen and CSI are enhancing suicide prevention efforts by providing suicide prevention trainings including QPR and Youth Mental Health First Aid in the community throughout the year. See www.csifdl.org for more information.
- Ask
- Keep them safe
- Be there
- Help them connect
- Follow up
Additional Considerations for Prevention
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – is always available at 1-800-273-TALK. All calls to this helpline are answered in WI at a crisis center closest to you. You can also contact the person’s physician, a local mental health professional, a clergy person or another trusted professional.
- Secure Firearms. One of the best things you can do to prevent the risk of suicide by use of firearms is to reduce the access to lethal means. Another preventative measure is to use gun-locks which can be acquired at the Sheriff’s Department and City Police Department at no cost.
- Become Informed. Following are important resources that will help you understand how real, common and treatable some mental health disorders are:
Suicide Prevention Resource Center: www.sprc.org
Mental Health of America: www.mhawisconsin.org
Prevent Suicide Wisconsin: www.preventsuicidewi.org
American Foundation for Suicide Preventions: afsp.org/about-suicide/
YScreen promotes emotional health screening as a time to discuss the tools a student has to improve their mental health. YScreen staff can also help connect teens and their families to the appropriate community resources that can address any concerns that may be identified. YScreen is available to teens in Fond du Lac County. If you would like to request screening for your child or would like more information, please contact us at (920) 906-6571.
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