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Identify struggling students, educate your student body about stress and depression, and create an environment of caring, empowered individuals with LifeAct’s universal Suicide Prevention program. We’re here to become part of your network of mental health resources—let us meet this critical need for your students in grades 6-12. Programs are developmentally appropriate for both middle and high school students but deliver the same message: identifying the warning signs of suicide and depression can be life-saving!
1.2M LGBTQ youth aged 13-18 in the U.S. seriously consider death by suicide each year
50% of many mental health conditions develop by age 14
1 in 3 teens ages 13-18 have an anxiety disorder
Middle School
High School
The Middle School Suicide Prevention Program lays the groundwork for our high school program. Students will...
- identify feelings that can contribute to larger issues like depression and suicide
- understand that talking about these issues with a trusted adult is the best way to get help
- engage with videos, skits, and discussion in order to define the difference between stress and anxiety as well as practice coping skills to develop resilience
The High School Suicide Prevention Program supports social-emotional learning as students practice identifying signs of depression. Students will...
- understand that depression may lead to suicidal ideation
- practice how to communicate and advocate for their own mental health (or their friends and loved ones) as well as identify community resources to support mental health
- participate in skits, group work, and engaging activities in order to recognize that depression can affect anyone
Both programs are 90-minutes in length spanning over two days and support social-emotional learning as students learn to identify signs of depression within themselves and their peers. On the first day of programming, the evidence-based SOS: Signs of Suicide Program is utilized. On the second day of programming, LifeAct's signature Suicide Prevention Program follows up with the same objectives while incorporating real-world examples, more in-depth information, and engaging activities in order to bring this life-saving information to students at any level.
LifeAct knows that early identification and intervention for students with mental health issues is the most effective way to prevent youth suicide. To address this, we incorporate a reporting process into our program. This process is comprised of information gathered from students at several points during the program, in which they can raise questions or concerns regarding the mental health of themselves or their peers. At the conclusion of the program, our instructors provide school personnel with this information so that they may connect with these students and provide them with the support they need.
House Bill 123
Click the infographic to learn more about Ohio Department of Education's House Bill 123
I liked the fact that this program and the people in it are willing to recognize symptoms of depression and say, ‘It’s not just a phase, this is serious. This IS real!
Student at Solon Middle School
I liked that I got to hear about other people’s stressors and I realized that what I think is stressful can also be stressful for someone else. That makes me feel more normal.
Student at Solon Middle School
This program “covers a variety of topics this age group needs to hear about…I’m truly grateful that this program exists for students to hear!
Charlotte Thomas, Teacher at St. Brendan Middle School
The LifeAct presentation made me feel safe, not alone, and gave me new strategies if I’m ever in a situation if which it would be crucial to use them.
Jane D. , Student from Summit County
“I felt good after because I deal with anxiety and now I have a few more coping strategies”
John J. , Student from Summit County
The presentation was a good source of information for if I need help, or if another friend needs help” “I feel confident with new strategies.
Student Antonymous , Student from Summit County
“I felt happy because of the presentation bringing light to the fact that people suffer from bad mental health. I also feel informed.”
Student Anonymous , Student from Summit County
It made me feel like its going to be ok and you can always talk to someone.
Student Anonymous , Student from Summit County
Questions
Questions about our instructors, in-school logistics, or other specifics? See our Program FAQ’s page here or send an email to scheduleprogram@lifeact.org.
Hear about what students and teachers say about our programs—read testimonials from this year here.