As schools are reopening for another challenging school year amidst the ongoing pandemic, it is more important and urgent than ever to address the mental and emotional health needs of students. The stress, grief, and trauma that many students experience daily and which have been exacerbated throughout the past year and a half can lead to extremely difficult emotional responses, including symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses and emotional responses. School communities, including administrators, educators, staff, parents, and student peers, play a critical role in addressing these effects and in helping to prevent suicide.

This week—and all month long—we join many other groups and individuals across the country in observing both National Suicide Prevention Week and National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month by sharing resources about how to help prevent suicide in our families, schools, and communities. We believe that everyone has a role to play.