Counseling Intern Information and Suicide Prevention Month

Over the next few months, you may see a new face around Father McGivney working alongside Mrs Madura in the Student Services and Counseling office.  Ms. Catherine Stark is a graduate student at Missouri Baptist University majoring in School Counseling, and is completing her internship in the FMCHS Student Services and Counseling office.  Therefore, please know Ms. Stark may reach out at some point by either email or telephone regarding student success and development during her time here.

Each week, I plan to cover a coping strategy or topic to broaden awareness of what you/your child my be experiencing.  The topics will range from Study Skills, to Counseling and Coping Skills, and will hopefully be something to spark discussion with your parents/child(ren).

I write this on September 1, and those in the Mental Health field know that September is Suicide Prevention Month.  I have been provided resources from CHAD (Communities Health Adolescent Depression and Suicide) as well as the Illinois School Cousneling Association, in an effort to spotlight the awareness of mental health and risk management with regards to suicide.

According to the Coalition for Mental Health, up to 25 percent of adolescents beginning at age 14 will suffer depression, and only two-thirds will receive help. Sadly, of that total, 90 percent of all suicides are associated with mental illness, and could have been prevented.

Nationally, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for 11 to 18 year olds in the United States. -CDC, 2010

Over the past 15 years, the total suicide rate has increased 24% from 10.5 to 13 per 100,000 people and the suicide rate among males has remained approximately four times higher than amoung females. - National Institute of Mental Health.

• 
  

***If you believe someone is a harm to either themselves, or another person, please don't hesitate to call   9-1-1 and get help immediately.

The following is a list of resources on Suicide Prevention:

Suicide Prevention Resources:  http://www.sprc.org/

The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide: http://www.sptsusa.org/

CHADS Coalition for Mental Health: www.chadscoalition.org