Preventing suicide priority of program

Suicide prevention is the goal of a new program being provided to students in Cameron and Elk counties.

Signs of Suicide (SOS) has reduced suicide attempts by 40 percent in schools where it has been implemented over the past five years. SOS concentrates on eighth- and ninth-graders, since studies show they are most likely to engage in risky behaviors.

In northwestern Pa., 30 percent of 10th graders said they agreed with the assessment, "Life is just not worth living." About 40 percent acknowledged feeling depressed at least half the time.

Jen Dippold, director of community-based children's services for Dickinson Mental Health Services, said SOS is a screening program to determine which students could benefit from counseling.

Dippold said parents and educators should be aware of signs that could indicate depression in their children: sadness, being grouchy or irritable, a change in weight or appetite, loss of interest in usual activities, and withdrawal from friends and family.

Students will be taught how to respond if someone they know shows signs of considering suicide.

Parents must consent for any student to be treated for depression, unless there is an emergency, Dippold said. Students referred for treatment will learn coping skills and could be prescribed medication. Additional information on SOS is available from Dickinson Mental Health at 834-2602.