Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Resources

September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. This is a time to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around an urgent mental health issue. Suicidal thoughts and related mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of their age, race, gender, or background. While people from all walks of life share in this struggle, many are not aware of who is hurting, or how much. No one has to face these struggles alone, healing is possible.

Mental health tips for parents:

• Make sure you have people you can talk to about the stressors you face as a parent. This may include family, friends, support groups or mental health professionals. if you feel you have no one to talk to, consider calling a warm line to speak with local peers. The National Parent Helpline is listed below.
• Take breaks when you can. This may include not answering every phone call or responding to texts or emails right away. Taking time for yourself and prioritizing hobbies can help you avoid feeling "burnt-out".
• Ask for help. If you care for a child with special needs, contact your regional Parent Center. In San Diego our Parent Training and Information Center is TASK. Visit their website to connect and see how you can be better supported.

Mental health tips to support children:

• Create a safe space for your child to talk about their feelings and actively listen to them. Listen, ask questions, and let them know you are there to support them.
• Speak to your child's care team (e.g. teachers, school psychologist, aides, etc.) about mental health concerns and open a conversation about their observations about your child's behaviors and emotions.
• Ask your child if any factors of their IEP or school needs are not being met. This may be adding to their stress and can be adjusted to help their education support their mental wellbeing.
• Look into school specific and local groups that can support your child with special needs. This may be an emotional support group, athletic team or club, or artistic opportunity. Keeping your child stimulated and in social groups can help them form connections and find joy in activities.

If you or someone in your life is struggling with thoughts of harming themselves, please consider calling 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. They offer specific counseling options for neurodivergent callers, or those with special needs. If you are Deaf or Hard of Hearing you can also use their website to text, chat, or videophone.

Visit the San Diego County Behavioral Health Services Suicide Prevention Resources page for local resources and programs for children and adults.

If you are a struggling parent, you are not alone. The National Parent Helpline is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 1-855-427-2736 to get emotional support from a trained advocate.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine is a free, confidential nationwide service that provides one-on-one emotional support, mental health information and resources needed to tackle tough challenges that you, your family, or friends are facing. Visit the NAMI website for more information. You can also call 1-800-950-6264 or text NAMI to 62640. The HelpLine is available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time.

San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) offers a Mental Health Supports webpage featuring helpful tips, local resources, and visual guides for mental health and wellness. We offer support for all students, their families, and our staff. Additionally, visit SDCOE's Virtual Wellness Center for resources and activities.

Staff Highlight

Each year at our Annual Art Exhibition and District Awards Recognition, we celebrate exceptional staff members who go above and beyond. This is our opportunity to showcase their incredible work and share their stories — including what inspired them to work with students with disabilities.

Meet Angelica Del Razo, District Resource Teacher for Student Support Services at National School District. Angelica has been making an impact in Special Education since 2006.

“I was immediately drawn to the fulfillment that comes from watching students make progress and achieve their goals, and I knew I wanted to build my career in this field.”

She began as an Instructional Assistant, later served seven years as a Special Day Class teacher, and now supports both general education and special education staff at the district level. Her work includes coaching, planning Instructional Assistant workshops, and collaborating on complex behavioral cases.

“What continues to drive me is the same thing that drew me to this field in the first place: making a meaningful impact by helping students access their education and reach their fullest potential.”

Alongside academics, Angelica values joy and connection:

“I absolutely love playing a rock, paper, scissor tournament with my students… Equally rewarding is building trust with my students. When they begin to see me as someone they can count on, their walls come down, and that opens the door to deeper learning and growth.”

Nearly two decades later, Angelica’s passion is stronger than ever — helping students thrive, celebrating milestones, and supporting colleagues every step of the way.

What is the Community Advisory Committee (CAC)?

The CAC is a team of parents and other individuals with a personal or professional interest in securing appropriate services for students with special needs. Their mission is to involve interested parents, students, teachers, and education specialists in establishing a networking system between the school and the community. Their vision is to encourage parents to actively participate in becoming knowledgeable, empowered, and effective partners in the development and implementation of learning experiences for students with exceptional needs.

To join the CAC or access more information, see the CAC webpage.