Care Solace Article: Suicide Prevention Month

The first step toward intervention and support is awareness of suicidal warning signs, which include the following changes:

• Behavioral: Withdrawing from friends and activities, giving away personal belongings, self-destructive behaviors, increased substance use, sudden mood improvement after depression.
• Verbal: Expressing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or being a burden. Talking about death, dying, or wanting to die, making statements like "I can't take it anymore" or "I wish I weren't here," mentioning specific plans or methods for suicide.
• Emotional: Drastic and sudden mood swings, overwhelming sadness, despair, emptiness, loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities, intense irritability or anger.
• Situational: Recent loss of a loved one, breakup, significant life changes, bullying or harassment, academic or work-related stress, financial difficulties, or other significant personal crises.
• Physical: Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleeping), changes in appetite or weight loss/gain, decreased personal hygiene and self-care.
• Social: Increasing social isolation and withdrawal from relationships, losing interest in social interactions or activities, feeling disconnected from friends, family, and self.
• Cognitive: Difficulty concentrating or making decisions, preoccupation with death, dying, or the afterlife, intense guilt or shame.

When you notice these warning signs, you should:

• Initiate a conversation about suicide.
• Provide active listening and non-judgmental support.
• Encourage professional help through therapists, counselors, and helplines.
• Involve trusted adults, such as parents/guardians, coaches, teachers, and mentors.
• Create a safety plan in collaboration with the individual.

If you or someone you know is experiencing hopelessness and suicidal thoughts, please seek help with these resources:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: A nationwide lifeline network operating 24/7 to provide free and confidential crisis services. Visit 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Offers support groups and chapters throughout the United States. Visit NAMI

For those in need of professional support, consider contacting Care Solace, a complimentary and confidential service provided by [DISTRICT NAME]. They can help you find a mental health or substance use provider.

• Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365.
• Visit www.caresolace.com/wwcsd and either search on your own or click "Book Appointment" for assistance via video chat, email, or phone.

Unified — and with support and compassion — we can make a difference in our community's well-being. Let us stand together to raise awareness, provide assistance, and foster hope for a brighter future.

Sincerely,

Wayne-Westland Community School District