“#BeThe1To Save a Life”

National Suicide Prevention Week: September 8^th-14^th, 2019

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 2^nd leading cause of death both nationally and in Wisconsin.

• In 2019, results of the Fond du Lac County Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) Survey, 15% of 8^th, 10^th & 11^th 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.  Seven percent of respondents state they have attempted suicide, which has remained fairly consistent over the years. 

• YScreenis 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 9^th 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.

Together as a community, we can make a difference in the lives of our youth.

BE THE ONE TO HELP SAVE A LIFE (5-Step Plan):

1. Ask – When someone you know is in emotional pain, ask them directly “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
2. Keep them safe – If someone you know is thinking about suicide, ask if they’ve thought about how they would do it. Then separate them from anything they could use to hurt themselves.
3. Be there – If someone you know is thinking about suicide, listen to their reasons for feeling hopeless and in pain. Listen with compassion and empathy and without dismissing or judging.
4. Help them connect – Connect someone who is thinking about suicide to ongoing supports (such as family, friends, therapists, or clergy) so they have a network to reach out to in times of crisis.
5. Follow up – Check in with the person you are concerned about. Stop by, call, or text. Making contact in the days and weeks following a crisis can make a difference in keeping them alive.

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 staff help connect teens and their families to the appropriate community resources that can address emotional health concerns. If you would like more information or to request screening for your child, please contact us at (920)906-6571.

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