September is Suicide Prevention Month!

This month, we observe National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. In our county, suicide rates have been steadily rising since 2000. In fact, Orange County's rise in suicides is the largest of all major US counties (source: Kaiser).

Understanding the warning signs, knowing what to do when someone is at risk, and promoting coping skills are critical for preventing suicide deaths. When all educators, families, peers, and adults who interact with youth know the signs, we can save lives.

This newsletter features upcoming no-cost, Orange County virtual and in-person events that focus on preventing youth and student suicide.

Click here to view the full Stigma Free OC event calendar, including events in Spanish, Korean, Farsi, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Khmer!

This month, students in Orange County are invited to participate in Phoenix House BHIS’s suicide prevention activities on Instagram. The first activity will be answering the following question: “What could you tell a loved one that was considering self-harm or suicide?” Students can share their thoughts access resources from Phoenix House BHIS. Students that participate will get a chance to enter a giveaway for a self-care basket.

Follow Phoenix House BHIS on Instagram >

The Connect-OC Coalition will be sharing Each Mind Matters suicide prevention resources and messaging. The coalition will also share local crisis lines and any coalition member/agency events that promote suicide prevention.

Follow Connect-OC Coalition on Facebook > | Twitter > | Instagram >

Follow Orange County Friday Night Live and OC Department of Education PAL – Peer Assistance Leadership on Instagram and Facebook for daily suicide prevention awareness posts. Focus will be on Knowing the Signs, Reducing Stigma, and Promoting Resources.

Follow Orange County Friday Night Live on Facebook > | Instagram >

Follow OC Dept. of Education PAL Facebook > | Instagram >

In the second Phoenix House BHIS activity, students will be answering the following question: “How do you talk about preventing suicide with family and friends?” Resources will also be provided for students on the same Instagram post.

Follow Phoenix House BHIS on Instagram >

In the third Phoenix House BHIS activity, students will be answering the following question: “Who helps you when you’re dealing with difficult feelings?” Students will get the opportunity to identify who their support system is and who they can reach out to when dealing with difficult times.

Follow Phoenix House BHIS on Instagram >

Olive Crest provides no-cost, 6-week virtual Parenting Courses for all Orange County Residents. During the month of September, courses will all begin by discussing suicide prevention, mental health recovery, and resilience. Participants that identify need will be linked to NAMI support programs. For a list of Active Parenting Virtual courses, please email Tatiana-restrepo@olivecrest.org

Para más información visite nuestro sitio web (www.casadelafamilia.org) o llámenos al

(877) 611-CASA (2272).

Este evento se transmitirá en vivo por Facebook Live. La Dra Ana Nogales estará contestando sus preguntas y/o comentarios. La Dra Ana Nogales es psicóloga clínica y fundadora de Nogales Psicológica Consuelan, Inc., y Casa de la Familia, que estableció en el año 1996 para víctimas de trauma.

The S Word is a powerful SAMHSA award-winning documentary which follows the lives of suicide attempt survivors in an effort to end the stigma and silence around suicide. Registrants will receive a link to the movie one week prior to the dialogue and will be able to stream the movie at any point prior to September 8. Join us after the virtual screening for a special dialogue with Kelechi Ubozoh.

Esta presentación tiene como objetivo ayudar a identificar los signos de suicidio. Revisará los mitos y los hechos sobre la autolesión / suicidio, las señales de advertencia que debe conocer, las formas en que una persona puede ser una fuente de apoyo para los demás.

Para obtener más información: Llame a RSVP: (949) 680-0962.

This is a workshop for students, parents, caretakers, teachers, coaches, and other adult role models/figures that may be in a child’s life.

Also offered in Spanish on September 16.

This LGBTQ Center OC event is open to LGBTQ youth and their allies ages 13-18. We will have a discussion about the importance of suicide prevention and share resources. For further information, please contact Stephanie Camacho-Van Dyke.

Western Youth Services-BHIS created and is distributing coping kits with SEL materials for families, which feature wellness and mindfulness activities for families to learn and practice together in support of suicide prevention.

For more information, please contact Emily Wang at (949) 900 – 5380.

The Suicide Awareness class is a stress-free way to learn about suicide prevention and an opportunity to connect with others in the community. During this class, the instructor will review the following topics: how to identify signs and risk factors associated with self-harm, mental health coping skills, and how to provide support to friends and family members who may be experiencing suicidal ideation. Class materials will be covered in English and Spanish.

RSVP with Rosa Garcia (rosag@occtac.org).

These English and Spanish events will be presented via Facebook Live. For more information, please visit www.casadelafamilia.org or call (877) 611-CASA (2272).

Visit www.facebook.com/casadelafamilia.org to submit your questions prior to September 8. Participants will also have an opportunity to submit questions and/or comments during the live event.

This is a workshop in Spanish for students, parents, caretakers, teachers, coaches, and other adult role models/figures that may be in a child’s life.

Western Youth Service-BHIS will utilize the Zones of Regulation™ to teach participants the common language of social-emotional learning to help them understand and communicate their different emotional states. When we are better able to identify and communicate regarding different emotional states in ourselves, we become more empowered to communicate authentically. The purpose of this workshop is to support suicide prevention and awareness.

Also offered in English on September 9.

Western Youth Services-BHIS created and is distributing coping kits with SEL materials for families, which feature wellness and mindfulness activities for families to learn and practice together in support of suicide prevention.

For more information, please contact Emily Wang at (949) 900 – 5380.

This is a workshop for students, parents, caretakers, teachers, coaches, and other adult role models/figures that may be in a child’s life.

In this workshop, WYS-BHIS will utilize the Zones of Regulation™ to help provide and teach participants about empathy and skills for practicing empathy—for oneself and for others. One way to practice empathy is to be curious. When we are curious about others’ thoughts, feelings, and experiences it helps us understand others better without judging them. When using empathy, we have a better understanding of how another person is feeling, which can help us problem solve in an effective manner when we experience conflicting perspectives.

Zoom Meeting ID: 809-163-512

Password: 112233

This event is open to LGBTQ youth and their allies ages 13-18. We will have a discussion about mental health resources, self-care practices, and community/virtual resources. For further information, please contact Stephanie Camacho-Van Dyke.

Western Youth Services-BHIS created and is distributing coping kits with SEL materials for families, which feature wellness and mindfulness activities for families to learn and practice together in support of suicide prevention.

For more information, please contact Emily Wang at (949) 900 – 5380.

This workshop is designed for students, parents, caretakers, teachers, coaches, and other adult role models/figures that may be in a child’s life.

Western Youth Service-BHIS will utilize the Zones of Regulation™ to help provide and teach participants about different coping and self-care tools to support with self-awareness and emotional regulation. Everyone has strong emotions from time to time. When our emotions are intense and arise quickly, this can make it hard for us to think straight and make positive choices. This workshop teachers and explores several coping skills to help us be better at helping ourselves in times of managing strong emotions. The purpose of this workshop is to support suicide prevention and awareness.

Toll-Free: (888) 507-8107  Email: ocresourceinfo@cars-rp.org

Website: ocstudentmentalhealth.org

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