Dear WPSD Community,
 
Today, September 10th, is World Suicide Prevention Day.  As part of our ongoing commitment to the well-being of our students, we want to provide you with important information about suicide prevention.   We recognize the critical need to address the challenges of suicidal ideation among our youth. The impact of this issue extends throughout our community, affecting us all.

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:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: A nationwide lifeline network operating 24/7 to provide free and confidential crisis services.  Call or text 988 (24/7/365 service).  Visit 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

This is a difficult but crucial topic, and we want to assure you that our district is dedicated to fostering a supportive, caring environment for every student.  Please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's school if you have questions or need more information.

Sincerely,
West Perry School District