Times Observer Photo: Bryan Ferry CORE and Warren County School District art students team up to spread awareness messages during Suicide Prevention Education Month this month. Pictured is Leah Carpenter’s work on his side billboard for Warren’s East.

September is Suicide Prevention Education Month.

CORE — A Choice of Openness About Experience — Highlights prevention and awareness efforts by featuring the messages and work of county youth on billboards.

“There are six suicide prevention education signs around Warren County, created by local high school art students.” Kari Swanson, founder of CORE and mental health specialist at Warren County Jail, said: “The artists are Carson Lyon and Kendra McBride from Sheffield High School, Leah Carpenter, Samantha Wilhelm and Michael Carnahan from Youngsville High School and Taylor Napolitan, who graduated from Eisenhower High School last year.”

“This has been a great project for CORE in working with the school district, especially the art teachers, in creating these signs for Mental Health Month, September and May.” Swanson said. “By creating these signs, we hope to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and suicide prevention education. If we can get one person to ask for help or something, the project has done its job.”

“September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This is the time to raise awareness of this stigmatized and often taboo topic.” According to the National Psychological Association (NAMI). “We will use this month to change public perception, spread hope, and share vital information with those affected by suicide. Our goal is to empower individuals, friends and families to help prevent suicide. It’s about making sure you have access to the resources you need to discuss and seek help.”

“Suicidal ideation, like any mental health condition, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background.” According to Nami. “In fact, suicide is often the result of untreated mental health. Suicidal thoughts are common, but they should not be considered normal and often indicate a more serious problem.”

There are reasons to focus further education efforts on young people.

According to NAMI, suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds in the United States. Nearly 20% of her high school students report having serious suicidal thoughts, and 9% have attempted suicide.

“Dr. Carl Fleisher of UCLA Health makes a great point in his statement that ‘adolescents are particularly prone to suicide because of their social and developmental status.’ “ Swanson said.

The development of the prefrontal cortex, which governs judgment and decision-making, usually isn’t complete until the mid-twenties.

“This means that young people may be more impulsive and may not weigh the risks and consequences of their actions in the same way as older people.” she said.

“Socially, teens and adolescents don’t have the same connections as older adults. depends on the number of ! Swanson said.

It’s important to let people know that you have a personal connection and that you have people who care and care for you. As the Carpenter sign says, “Someone feels better because you are there… remember.”

“It is important to remind people struggling with mental health issues and suicidal thoughts that they are aware of their struggles, seek help, and that they are not alone. Swanson said. “It is also important to let people who do not struggle with mental health problems or suicidal thoughts know how to approach this topic, what to look for and how to ask someone for help.”

It’s not as easy as looking at someone and thinking they’re condescending.

“Not everyone who has suicidal thoughts looks depressed or upset.” she said. “People who are independent and consider themselves one of their strengths may find it difficult to ask for help.”

Silence on the matter does not protect you.

“Talking about the importance of mental health, the importance of reaching out to those in distress, does not increase the risk of suicide.” Swanson said. “Ideally, it’s up to someone who has a hard time realizing they need help and reaching out.”

“I think we’re doing better now that we’ve started changing the stigma associated with mental health, but we still have a long way to go.” she said. “Some people who struggle with suicidal thoughts struggle daily with giving in to the idea of ​​choosing to die or to live. For a moment, you’ll think it’s a good thing.”

September (or any time) is a good time to talk to people who aren’t struggling.

“A good foundation is to proactively check in on the people in your life and be there for them to listen, not because they look like they’re having a hard time, but because they look like they’re doing okay.” It’s about letting you know you’re there.” Swanson said. “It’s another approach to establishing that you have someone by your side during the good times, and it becomes very important when you’re not feeling well.”

“I am a strong believer in education and truly believe that as we continue to educate ourselves on the topic and educate ourselves on the topic, we can start to make a difference.” she said. “Suicide has been seen as a permanent solution to an insoluble problem. We need to be better problem solvers for ourselves and those who are struggling.”

It’s okay if it’s not okay. “Where they stand is fine” Swanson said. “If it’s dark, messy, and uncomfortable where they’re standing, that’s fine, but they’re not the only ones.”

Since July, 911 is no longer the only three-digit number dedicated to emergencies. The number of mental health emergencies is now 988.