September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and the National Council is joining with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to raise awareness about and expand its #BeThe1To campaign. Every year, suicide claims the lives of 40,000 people and another 500,000 people attempt it. #BeThe1To emphasizes that everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention, encouraging everyone to “Be The 1 To” take action to save lives.
SAMHSA’s bullying prevention efforts include the KnowBullying app, a free smartphone tool that provides information and guidance on ways to prevent bullying and build resilience in children.
The app is designed to address the needs of children ages 3–18 and includes discussion prompts for adults working with children who are bullied, who witness bullying, or who bully others.
In recognition of the efforts to improve school climate and reduce rates of 
bullying nationwide, the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention (FPBP) are proud to release a variety of resources aimed at informing youth, those who work with youth, members
Tuesday, October 1 marks the beginning of a month-long celebration of bullying prevention awareness and best practices. Check out Stopbulling.gov for new resources to stop bullying before it starts.
There are several ways for you to get invovled:
If you are worried about your child’s mental health, follow your instincts. Unexplained changes in your child’s behavior and/or mood may be the early warning signs of a mental health condition and should never be ignored. There are many different types of mental illness, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, and it isn’t easy to simplify the range of challenges children face. One way to begin if you are concerned is to get an evaluation for your child or teen by a licensed mental health professional.
HelpNow is a comprehensive suite of online academic services designed to support many learning needs and styles. Offered through the Ramsey County Library, HelpNow provides unique services for each of the three main sources of learning -- expert instruction, peer-to-peer collaboration, and self-study.
“Let’s Talk About It, Ramsey County” Suicide Prevention Forum, May 3rd, 6-8 at Northwest Youth and Family Services Discovery Center.
Free and open to the public, the “Let’s Talk About It, Ramsey County” forum will consist of a resource fair, a keynote address featuring a nationally renowned suicide prevention expert, and a panel discussion. Free food and beverages will also be provided. The resource fair will be held from 5:30-8:30.
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center has released, “Suicide and Bullying,” a brief on the relationship between bullying and suicide, especially as it relates to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered youth. The brief describes the extent of the problem and identifies strategies for bullying and suicide prevention.
In addition, action steps may help create synergy in addressing both suicide and bullying:
November 17, 2011
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Northwest Youth & Family Services Discovery Center
3490 Lexington Ave N, Suite 205, Shoreview, MN 55126
The sad truth is that mean girl and boy behaviors are rampant in our children’s Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. Kids are calling each other names, deliberately excluding some kids from belonging, making up rumors about each other and sending nasty texts. Estimates are that half of all school children experience the stress and anxiety that results from bullying. Many more experience the pain of emotional aggression.
“According to the Surgeon General and Department of Health and Human Services, youth who have undiagnosed or untreated mental illness are 2 to 4 times more likely to have issues with substance abuse and almost half drop out of school.”
