Disclaimer: The following information includes topics of depression, anxiety, and suicide for informational purposes only. If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8. For help finding mental health providers in the Fredericksburg region, call us at (540) 371-2704 or visit our online provider resource database at www.mhafred/helpline/.

Suicide Prevention Education

The Suicide Prevention Education Program partners with local schools and youth organizations to present an engaging, evidence-based curriculum that teaches middle and high school students how to identify the signs and symptoms of suicide and depression and what they can do to get help. The curriculum used is Signs of Suicide (SOS), developed by Screening for Mental Health, Inc. It is listed on SAMSHA’S National Registry of evidence-based programs and practices for high school, while the middle school program is considered best practice. Students are taught that suicide is not a normal response to stress, but is a preventable tragedy that can be a result of untreated depression. An easy-to-remember acronym, ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell), equips students with steps they can take if they require help for themselves or friends. Mental Health America Fredericksburg Region (MHAfred) can work with schools and youth organizations in Virginia Planning District 16 (Fredericksburg, Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford). If you would like more information about how to bring this program to your school or your community, contact our Suicide Prevention Education Coordinator below.

Signs of Suicide 

If your child’s school uses S.O.S, Signs of Suicide, to teach suicide prevention to students, you can learn more about the program and resources available here.

“SOS is an evidence-based youth suicide prevention program that teaches middle and high school students how to identify warning signs of suicide and depression. Trusted by thousands of schools across the country, SOS can be delivered in a single class period and encourages students to ACT® (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) if they are worried about themselves or a friend.”

Verify: ‘NOBODY TALKS ABOUT IT’

Understanding the Rise in Youth Suicide

Click the image to watch the four-part video series and learn more about the rise in youth suicide.

“Suicide is not a mental illness. But most people, more than 80% of people who die by suicide, have a mental illness — and depression is the most common mental disorder associated with suicide,” Roger McIntyre, M.D., a professor of psychiatry and pharmacology at the University of Toronto.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or Text 988 or Chat online at 988Lifeline.org to connect you to compassionate care and support for mental health-related distress.

MHA of Virginia Warm Line

Call or Text the Mental Health Virginia Warm Line at 866-400-6428 to be connected with a trained Peer Recovery Specialist who offers free & confidential listening, support, and information for non-crisis situations.

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