(09/10/2020) Collaboration with the community on public health issues, like suicide awareness and prevention, is essential. September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to reinforce that suicide is preventable and an effort that benefits from a community-wide approach. Together, we can increase awareness, identify risk factors early, and provide collaborative support. When a student is struggling with their mental health, which is common among those who complete suicide, there is hope and help.

Anoka-Hennepin Schools delivers a wide-range of supports to help students with their social and emotional needs, including partnerships with many community agencies. Schools provide a system of support for students that includes caring adults such as social workers, mental health therapists, psychologists, student achievement advisors, nurses and others to support mental health needs of students.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or thoughts of hurting themselves, get help immediately. See these resources for risk factors, protective factors, and how to access help. If there is an immediate mental health crisis, call 911 and ask for an officer trained in mental health. Help is also available 24-hours a day by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or on the Crisis Text Helpline by texting MN to 741741.

Resources for parents/guardians:

What to Do if You’re Worried About Suicide 

A parent’s guide to helping their child in distress. Published by the Child Mind Institute, an independent, national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders. 

Restricting Access to Lethal Means

Restricing access to the lethal means to commit suicide is considered an essential strategy for parents/guardians concerned about teen suicide risk. Anoka-Hennepin licensed support staff were trained in this strategy in spring 2020. Published by SAVE: Suicide Prevention Voices of Education 

National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota (NAMI MN) Suicide Prevention, Awareness, and Support  Includes a listing of crisis supports including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or Text MN to 741741.

Resources for teens: 

How to Talk to Your Parents About Getting Help 

For teens, opening up and talking with a trusted parent/guardian is the first step to getting help.  Published by the Child Mind Institute, an independent, national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders. 

How to Support a Friend With Mental Health Challenges: While Still Taking Care of Yourself

The Child Mind Institute provides this information on how teens can support each other and their own mental health needs.