Buccaneers SAIL Safe Accountable In Control Lead by Example

Please take a moment to document kind acts. Submit your kind act count to Mrs. Cutright and the Little Normas! Each month, we will award the KINDNESS CUP to the advisory group who has the greatest number of kind acts! If you still wish to change your advisory name, please send your new names to the Counselors! We will reveal new names next week!

National Suicide Prevention Week, Sept 17-21 National Suicide Prevention Week is an annual week-long campaign in the United States to inform and engage the general public about suicide prevention and warning signs of suicide. Each year, many Americans die by suicide, but NO ONE HAS TO! So today, BUMS is partnering with  the National Council for Suicide Prevention (NCSP) to launch the Take 5 to Save Lives campaign. Take 5 encourages everyone to take 5 minutes out of their day to complete five action items. Too many lives have been touched by suicide. This advisory is dedicated to all who wish to stop the spread of suicide. It is worth far more than 5 minutes of effort. 

Get ready to TAKE 5 to Save Lives

Take 5 to Save Lives Although it may not always be obvious, individuals experiencing an emotional crisis usually exhibit one or more of the warning signs of suicide. Your ability to identify the signs will better prepare you to take action and could help save a life. Get help immediately if you see or hear any of the following warning signs.

Know the signs Emergency Warning Signs Call 911 or the emergency service number of your country if you see or hear the following:  Someone threatening to hurt or kill themselves or talking of wanting to die. Someone looking for ways to kill themselves by seeking access to weapons or other lethal items (this can be online searches or physically looking for something in the moment of despair). Someone talking or writing about death, dying or suicide. Warning Signs of Suicide Contact a mental health professional or hotline if you hear or see someone exhibiting one or more of these behaviors:​ Hopelessness Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking Feeling trapped, like there’s no way out Increased alcohol or drug use Withdrawing from friends, family & society Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time Dramatic mood changes

Do your part Everyone has a role in preventing suicide. What's yours? Teachers, parents, students, caregivers, and countless others all play a vital role in preventing the tragedy of suicide. Preventing suicide is a collective responsibility. Never speak casually about suicide or make threatening comments that someone should “just kill themselves”. Why do people do this? Don’t sit quietly when someone else talks about suicide. Speak up, tell them it’s not ok and tell an adult.

Do your part Give help If you suspect a friend at school is contemplating suicide, ask them. Be direct.  "Are you thinking about suicide?" "Are you thinking about killing yourself?" "Do you have a plan to kill yourself?"  If they respond "Yes" it's important to stay with the person until you can get them help or you have gotten someone else involved who can help. Either go with the person to the counselor's office or tell a teacher and have them take the friend. If they respond "No," it's important you still tell a teacher or trusted adult about your concerns, even if this upsets your friend. 

Make your mental health and wellness a priority. Research indicates that our mental fitness or wellness is crucial to our overall long- term health, and can even protect us from disease. Learn some tips for keeping mentally fit.

Self-Care (taking care of you) 1. Practice good mental health (manage emotions and stress) 2. Make time for friends and family. 3. Make time for you. 4. Nourish your body with healthy food. 5. Get enough sleep. 6. Get and stay fit. 7. Help others. 8. Ask for help.

Help is available and recovery is possible If you or someone you know is in emotional distress you must reach out for help. You are not alone. Learn about different help options and how to take that first step in seeking help and care.

Know where to turn for help Reach Out For Help Reaching out is the most important step to start living mentally well again. Never be afraid to reach out. Here are a couple different ways to get help: Talk with a close adult friend or family member you trust.   Call a hotline or helpline and talk to a trained helper.  Schedule an appointment with a professional therapist. Your BUMS counselors are actually professional therapists! Read others' stories of hope and recovery. Sometimes reading how others have gotten through a difficult time can help you navigate your own tough situation. 

If you or someone you know is in need of emotional support or help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Trained helpers are available 24/7. 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

This is something to share with your friends and family! Pledge to tell 5 people about Take 5 and National Suicide Prevention Week. Let's get people talking! By sharing the Take 5 campaign with 5 other people we can raise awareness of problem of suicide and equip people with easy tools to help themselves and others. Together we can all make a difference! 

Preventing Suicide is EVERYONE’s responsibility. Keep the conversation going, speak up and speak out against suicide.