S.O.S. Signs of Suicide

S.O.S. Signs of Suicide, a universal suicide prevention program that teaches students in grades 6-12 how to identify the signs of depression and suicide in themselves and their peers.

Through a video, guided discussion, and brief screening for depression, your teens are encouraged to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) when worried about themselves or a friend.

This evidence-based program has shown a 64% reduction in self-reported suicide attempts. The program is designed to be used in schools or the community setting.

Chronically Strong is making this program available to local school districts at no cost and we invite YOU to participate in our pilot community program.

At Chronically Strong we believe that hope, healing and mental health can be found by strengthening and equipping the community. To lower the teen suicide rate we take a community approach that involves schools, faith centers, parents and teens, teaching a common language of how to talk about this difficult topic.

On February 18, both parents, middle schoolers, and high school students will come together to talk about this difficult topic in a format that is geared specifically to them.

What to Expect:

When you and your teen arrive there will be a continental breakfast and refreshments to munch as we open as a group to share about the program and why it is important.

Next, parents will engage in their own training with our Founder on how to have conversations with their teens about suicide and what the signs are to look for. Parents will work from the parent curriculum that follows the same conversation their teens are learning about. Preview what this program is about:

Middle school and High school students will be separated by grades. Middle Schoolers in 6th-8th grade will be in their own classroom to go through the S.O.S. curriculum. Curriculum involves three short videos and guided discussion questions and is designed from the middle grade group. There will be a main facilitator trained in mental health as well as an assistant trained in QPR Suicide Prevention. Preview a middle school video clip here

High School Students in 9th-12th grades will be in their own classroom with a similar, but more age appropriate version of the same curriculum. This will also involved three short video clips and guided discussion questions. This class will also have a main facilitator trained in mental health as well as an assistant that is trained in QPR Suicide Prevention and is a current psychology student. Preview a high school video clip here

All facilitators have passed criminal background checks as well as received their Childline clearance.

After all three classes are complete (approximately 1 hour), we will rejoin as a group and answer any remaining questions and encourage teens who feel comfortable to share their experience with their parents and the group as a whole.

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Are you a parent concerned about the rising rate of teen suicide?

Have you thought about talking to your teen but are not sure what to say?

Do you wonder if your teen would even talk to you?

If your teen isn't talking to you, do you want to make sure they know how to seek help?

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If these questions describe you, and even if they don't, you want to be prepared for the unexpected. Many parents who have lost their child to suicide never saw it coming. Chronically Strong is equipping parents and teens to engage in conversation and to learn how to seek the help when or if it is ever needed.

This FREE event is being held at our location near UPMC Osteopathic Hospital in Harrisburg. We are located at 900 S. Arlington Ave. Harrisburg, PA 17109 inside the United Church Center.

You MUST register at the ticket link to participate in this pilot event! Registration and space is limited so we encourage you to register as soon as possible!

**This program is not a substitute for mental health treatment. This is also not a crisis service. If you, or your teen, are actively considering suicide please call your county crisis line, 9-8-8, or for a current suicide attempt, dial 9-1-1.

***For more information on how you can have Chronically Strong partner with your school to bring this program in, email chronicallystrong23@gmail.com.