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Submitted by Providence Health & Services

As Season 2 of the NETFLIX program 13 Reasons Why releases this weekend, Providence in Southwest Washington would like to continue to remind everyone to be on the lookout for warning signs in youths.

“Awareness is key, because most of the time the signs are there,” said Sue Beall, director of Behavioral Health at Providence St. Peter Hospital. “Be on the lookout for signs and use resources we have in this community.”

During last year’s initial release of the show, the Providence St. Peter Hospital Crises Services Center saw an increase in youth suicide attempts.

Local resources:

“We are here and ready to help,” said Shell St. Onge, counselor at Providence SoundCareKids. “Please be mindful, especially during this heightened time.”

Providence continues to endorse “13 Reasons Why Talking Points” a document for parents to guide discussions with youth about the program, developed by JED, a national nonprofit that exists to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. JED was started in 2000 by the parents of a youth who died by suicide.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

13 Reasons Why Season 2 will be released, Friday, May 18 on NETFLIX.
13 Reasons Why season 2 will be released, Friday, May 18 on NETFLIX.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is focusing on having a #RealConvo about mental health. Learn more.

“Please know the signs to look for and communicate with your children,” said Dr. George Chappell, Providence psychiatrist. “Have a discussion.”

Free First Aid Mental Health Classes

As a result of a commitment to mental health by Providence St. Joseph Health, Providence in Southwest Washington continues offer free mental health first aid training for everyone in the community from a certified mental health advocate and instructor. Free eight-hour classes are being held:

  • June 16 and June 23 in Olympia (Providence Immediate Care Lacey)
  • June 30 in Centralia (Providence Centralia Hospital)

Classes (open to all caregivers and the public) will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (pre-registration is required by emailing TonyCloudMHFA@gmail.com with your name, phone number, email address and date of course you would like to attend) See the flyer for more information.

Youth Suicide: warning signs to look for

From the Youth Suicide Prevention Program:

Most suicidal young people don’t really want to die; they just want their pain to end. About 80 percent of the time, people who kill themselves have given definite signals or talked about suicide. The key to prevention is to know these signs and what to do to help.

Watch for these signs. They may indicate someone is thinking about suicide. The more signs you see, the greater the risk.

  • A previous suicide attempt
  • Current talk of suicide or making a plan
  • Strong wish to die or a preoccupation with death
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Signs of depression, such as moodiness, hopelessness, withdrawal
  • Increased alcohol and/or other drug use
  • Hinting at not being around in the future or saying good-bye

These warning signs are especially noteworthy in light of:

  • a recent death or suicide of a friend or family member
  • a recent break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or conflict with parents
  • news reports of other suicides by young people in the same school or community

Other key risk factors include:

  • Readily accessible firearms
  • Impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks
  • Lack of connection to family and friends (no one to talk to)

What to do if you see the warning signs?

If someone mentions suicide, take it seriously. If he or she has expressed an immediate plan, or has access to a gun or other potentially deadly means, do not leave him or her alone. Get help immediately.

These steps can be effective:

  • Show you care
  • Ask the question
  • Get help
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