September marks National Suicide Prevention month, a time to discuss suicide awareness and prevention. Suicide affects millions of people every year, yet many struggle in silence. However, awareness can save lives. In recognition of this, FCHS Counselor Heaven Chumley spoke to a number of classes the week of Sept. 1, sharing prevention tips and encouraging students to reach out for help.

“I encourage students to be self-aware, community aware, and nationally aware. Suicide has impacted millions across the nation, us as a Fluco community, and some on an individual level. It is a constant conversation that should be discussed in a manner that encourages connection, collaboration, and positive choices. Students should be mindful of how they talk and treat themselves and others, which could influence our Fluco nation in a more productive and unified way,” said Chumley.

She noted that the path to suicide is a complex issue, and can look like many different things. Expressing hopelessness about the future, displaying emotional distress, withdrawing from social connections, changes in sleep or appetite, and out-of-character anger or irritability can all be signs of being at-risk for suicide. She noted that the warning signs aren’t always obvious and can sometimes be hard to notice or understand.

According to Johns Hopkins, simply talking to someone about suicide and asking how they are can lower their risk of acting on their intentions.

“As much as we want to fix situations or people, our job and care is to support and assist in a person’s processing. That way, we can promote the individual to cope and problem-solve better,” Chumley said. “Counseling is a non-judgmental, confidential, and unbiased space that allows for a person to navigate their social, emotional, mental, and overall well-being and health. We collaborate with school personnel, family, and community resources to build the best pathways for a student to grow into their best self. Counseling is also an opportunity to promote the mental health field. It is a student’s first insight to mental health resources in their future. If we do well now, a student will likely pursue help in their future, which is a win in my opinion,” she added.

Being mindful of words and actions towards others can have a lasting impact. Being further attentive to friends’ emotions and behavior can show care and concern, and support those who are struggling. Having an open mind, an open heart, and openness to conversations about suicide can prevent matters from spiraling, and starting a conversation can be the difference this September.

“Remember, mental, social, and emotional health is ongoing. Suicide awareness and prevention is a constant conversation. You play a part, so please do your part for the betterment of yourself, your school, and the Fluco community,” said Chumley.

If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

If you want to talk to an FCHS counselor but don’t know the name of your assigned counselor, review this list:

Haden Parrish – Students whose last name starts with A-CAR
Joell Cotton– Students whose last name starts with CAS-F
Paul Jones– Students whose last name starts with G-J
Chris Roberson – Students whose last name starts with MU-SL
Heaven Chumley– Students whose last name starts with SM-Z