Suicide Prevention – September 2026 Newsletter
September is Suicide Prevention Month.
We want to share many of the messages we share with students who participate in our programs:
1. Many people of all ages experience depression and other mental health conditions.
2. Mental health conditions are real health conditions – medical conditions.
3. Mental health conditions are not reasons for embarrassment or shame.
4. Like any health condition, mental health conditions, need attention. Depending on the individual
person, mental health conditions can respond to treatments such as therapy and medication
management.
5. People who have mental health conditions need professional support.
6. People who have mental health conditions also need support from family, friends and
community.
7. Depression and other mental health conditions can result in thoughts of suicide.
8. If you hear someone talk about hurting themselves (or someone else) – in person or online – it is
extremely important to let someone know as soon as possible.
9. Never take a chance that someone else will report – or that the person talking won’t act on their
words.
10. Act. There are many people to help.
11. AND if YOU are the person having feelings about self-harm – try as hard as you can to reach out
for help.
12. Think about the people you trust. Parents, teachers, relatives, faith-based connections, school
staff, counselors. Build that list in your head. Reach out.
13. If one of those people doesn’t seem available, go to someone else.
14. One of RESPECT’s favorite resources is the Boys Town Hotline. Always available. Private. No
matter where you are.
15. Listen to Nick Zadina, the Manager of Training and Quality Assurance at the Boys Town National Hotline – and a past RESPECT Artistic Director —- HERE
16. Trust yourself: if you think someone might need help – reach out.
17. Believe in yourself: if you feel like you need help – reach out.