Educational opportunities about youth mental health and suicidal ideation need to be provided for students, staff and parents. Staff and teaching faculty should receive training in recognizing mental or emotional distress and basic gatekeeper training. Counseling and psychological staff receive more advanced training such as ASIST. Students learn about their own mental health and where and how to refer a peer they are concerned about. Parents/guardians need information about the prevalence of suicide and suicide attempts among youth, the warning signs of suicide, how to respond when they are concerned their child or another youth is at risk, and where to turn for help in the community when a crisis occurs.
- Information on sample programs used in Bay Area schools
- Links to recommended training opportunities
Resources for youth, families, educators and health professionals can be found at HEARD Alliance
Sample Educational Programs:
- More Than Sad, AFSP
- Break Free from Depression, Boston Children’s Hospital
- At-Risk for Educators, Kognito
- Youth Mental Health First Aid
Sample Gatekeeper Trainings:
- QPR found at https://www.qprinstitute.com
- QPR codes are available for free in Santa Clara County
https://www.sccgov.org/sites/mhd/Resources/SP/Pages/default.aspx
- QPR codes are available for free in Santa Clara County