Shining a Light on Suicide Prevention: Resources for those Experiencing Distress

Thoughts of suicide can affect anyone of any age, gender, or background. September is Suicide Prevention Month and National Suicide Prevention Week is September 4-10, a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized topic.

While 46% of people who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition, research shows that as many as 90% of those individuals may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition without being diagnosed. According to the CDC, youth and young adults ages 10-24 account for 14% of all suicides. For youth ages 10-14, suicide is the second leading cause of death. The rate of suicide is nearly four times higher in LGBTQ+ high school aged students, especially among non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaskan Native students. It’s vital that students have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and seek help when needed.

This month, we will continue to share vital resources and information around suicide prevention. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or crisis, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for 24/7 support.

Crisis Lines

We recently published a blog about the change in number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Although the three-digit number is easier to remember, the original lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) will continue to function indefinitely. Along with this 24/7, free and confidential support line, there are other crisis lines that can be utilized among children, youth, and young adults.

Crisis Text Line is a free 24/7 support for those experiencing emotional distress. Text 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. to connect via text with a trained Crisis Counselor.

Trevor Lifeline – The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth under the age of 25. Phone services are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 or TrevorText is available by texting “START” to 678678.

Trans Lifeline is a national trans-led organization dedicated to improving the quality of transgender lives. The line is available daily from 7 a.m.–1 a.m. PST / 9 a.m.–3 a.m. CST / 10 a.m.–4 a.m. EST. Volunteers may be available during off hours. Call 877-565-8860.

Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that’s available to anyone. The qualified responders of this line are specially trained and experienced in helping veterans of all ages and circumstances. Phone services are available 24/7 at 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

Kognito evidence-based simulations for suicide prevention

Kognito’s experiential learning helps educators, students, and parents/caregivers have important conversations around suicide prevention when they believe someone is at risk. Interactive simulations help learners build critical skills to navigate real-life situations while decreasing the stigma around mental health. The following practice-based simulations offer a community approach to strengthen and support every student.

PK-12 Schools and Districts

Kognito’s Mental Health & Well-being Suite includes six interactive programs for each of the integral groups within a child’s formative community:

• Educator
• Fellow student
• Parents and caregivers

Products in this suite:

• Emotional & Mental Wellness for Educators & Staff
  Through an SEL and trauma-informed lens, this simulation builds awareness, knowledge and skills around student emotional and mental well-being, as well as suicide prevention. This practice-based simulation prepares teachers, administrators, and school staff to lead real-life conversations that create a more positive environment, work to build greater resilience, strengthen relationships, and connect students with appropriate support.
• Emotional & Mental Wellness for Parents & Caregivers – Now available in Spanish
  Parents, caregivers, and the extended community help to create a healthier environment for children and teens. Through a series of conversation topics, this simulation explores how to identify, approach, and get support for children when needed.
• Friend2Friend: Emotional & Mental Wellness
  This practice-based simulation teaches high school students how to build awareness, knowledge, and skills around emotional and mental wellness while reducing the stigma.
• Friend2Friend: Substance Use
  This simulation equips teens with the skills and awareness to make positive decisions about alcohol and other substances. This interactive learning experience introduces social norms and addresses media portrayals and misconceptions. Teens learn coping and refusal skills as well as communication techniques to support their peers.
• Substance Use for Parents & Caregivers – Now available in Spanish
  This simulation coaches parents and caregivers on how to initiate conversations about healthy choices and substance use. Users explore how to discuss risks, set expectations, and role play scenarios with teens that will help them to manage tough situations involving substances in real life.
• Trauma-Informed Practices
  This product teaches awareness and skills for how to identify engage, understand, and support students who may have experienced trauma or adversity, including when to refer to a mental health professional for additional care.

Other products to build awareness, knowledge and skill about mental health and suicide prevention:

• At-Risk for High School Educators
• At-Risk for Middle School Educators
• At-Risk for Early Childhood Educators

Higher Education

Kognito’s simulations for higher education give faculty, staff and students the confidence to start a dialogue around complex topics including mental health and suicide prevention. Our At-Risk products have been proven to help students and faculty lead real-life conversations that change lives:

• At-Risk Mental Health for Students
  According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, up to 44% of college students reported having symptoms of depression and anxiety. This interactive learning experience equips college students with the skills to support their emotional health and that of their peers.
• At-Risk Mental Health for Faculty & Staff
  This simulation teaches faculty and staff about psychological distress, how it impacts college students, and what they can do when they spot this and are concerned about a student. This training builds awareness, knowledge, and skills about mental health and suicide prevention. It also prepares faculty and staff to lead real-life conversations with students that strengthens relationships and connects them with support.

Contact us to discuss suicide prevention efforts in your school or university

Our practice-based online simulations can have a measurable impact on improving the mental health and well-being of students in your school district or campus. Contact our sales team or request a demo today to learn more about how to leverage Kognito solutions for your school district or university.