YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAM
The adolescent years are marked by a roller coaster ride of emotions – difficult for youths, their parents, and educators. It is easy to misread depression as normal adolescent turmoil; however, depression appears to be occurring at a much earlier age. Depression - which is treatable - is a leading risk factor for suicide. Depression and suicide can effect any individual, at anytime during a person's life. In our country, suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 15-24 and the third leading cause of death for youth ages 10-14 years old. Gebhart Counseling Solutions, LLC has partnered with the Preble County Mental Health and Recovery Board in addressing depression and suicide in our youth.
Through the School Mental Health Program, all students in grades 6th-12th have the opportunity to participate in an annual suicide prevention program. The program, Signs of Suicide (S.O.S.), is a nationally used, evidenced-based suicide prevention program designed to educate students about the symptoms of depression, warning signs of suicide, and how to respond in situations involving peers that may be depressed and/or thinking about suicide. The program is presented by trained staff and/or students in four of the Preble County school districts. In addition, students have the option of talking with a licensed therapist after completing the program. We want our students to understand that depression is treatable, suicide is preventable, and where to access help for either themselves or someone they know.
Over the past eleven years in which the program has been presented to students in Preble County, we have seen an overall decrease in the number of students at risk for depression,as well as the number of students thinking, planning, and/or attempting suicide. This supports the research fact that talking about depression and suicide informs youth and increases awareness of how to help. For more information about this program, please contact Michelle Gebhart at (937) 456-2805.
If you or anyone you know may be depressed and/or suicidal, please reach out.
1-866-532-3097 Preble County Crisisline
The video clip below is a snipet of the SOS Middle School Program.
Through the School Mental Health Program, all students in grades 6th-12th have the opportunity to participate in an annual suicide prevention program. The program, Signs of Suicide (S.O.S.), is a nationally used, evidenced-based suicide prevention program designed to educate students about the symptoms of depression, warning signs of suicide, and how to respond in situations involving peers that may be depressed and/or thinking about suicide. The program is presented by trained staff and/or students in four of the Preble County school districts. In addition, students have the option of talking with a licensed therapist after completing the program. We want our students to understand that depression is treatable, suicide is preventable, and where to access help for either themselves or someone they know.
Over the past eleven years in which the program has been presented to students in Preble County, we have seen an overall decrease in the number of students at risk for depression,as well as the number of students thinking, planning, and/or attempting suicide. This supports the research fact that talking about depression and suicide informs youth and increases awareness of how to help. For more information about this program, please contact Michelle Gebhart at (937) 456-2805.
If you or anyone you know may be depressed and/or suicidal, please reach out.
1-866-532-3097 Preble County Crisisline
The video clip below is a snipet of the SOS Middle School Program.
Gebhart Counseling Solutions, LLC 204 N. Barron St. Suite B Eaton, OH 45320 Office (937) 456-2805 Fax (937) 456-2805