KMS Counselor News

September

September is Suicide Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between 10 to 24. Parents should watch for signs of struggle such as a drastic change in mood or personality, withdrawal or isolation from friends and family, increase in risky behavior or poor judgment, decline in school. Multiple signs of change may help parents distinguish between typical teenage behavior and a teenager who is really struggling. If you are concerned about your student, please reach out for help.

The new 988 Hotline–988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be: 

• Thoughts of suicide
• Mental health or substance use crisis, or
• Any other kind of emotional distress

People can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help. 

Krum Middle School is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students. One of the ways I support this is by visiting classes throughout the year to present information to help our students navigate middle school.  

My first visits to classes will be this week and next. I will be presenting about stressors students might have or might face in middle school, coping strategies they could implement, and how to reach out for help if needed. The overall theme of the presentation is one of hope. Every student is different and we have greatness within ourselves. It is important for our students to believe in themselves and not let their value be determined by others. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.