Counselor's Corner

September is Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide can be a hard topic to discuss, especially when you're unsure of how to talk about it, but it's important to never ignore someone whose reaching out for help and/or wanting to talk about what they're feeling. 

Let's say your talking with a friend & they reveal that they are having thoughts of suicide - woah, that can feel heavy. Do you know how to respond? Do you now how to help? It's okay if you don't, here are some tips that will help if you find yourself in this situation:

1. Let them know you're listening.
   Reassure them that you hear what they're saying and taking it seriously; something like, "I'm so glad you're telling me about what's going on and how you've been feeling. Thank you for sharing this with me."
2. Show your support.
   Help your friend know you're there with them and that you care; make sure you tell them in your own way, but here are some examples: "Nothing you're going through changes our friendship", "I'm right here with you."
3. Encourage them to keep talking.
   Listen actively by expressing curiosity and interest in the details, let them know you want to hear more about how they're feeling and what they're going through.
4. Be direct if you think they're thinking about suicide.
   Trust your gut - if you think someone's thinking about suicide, ask them directly. You can say thinks like: "Does it ever get so tough that you think about ending your life?" or "I really care about you and I want you to know you can tell me anything, even if it involves suicide." - you can even be direct and say "Are you thinking of killing yourself?"
5. If they are thinking of killing themselves, encourage them to reach out to an adult they trust, someone who can help. You may also want to talk with an adult you trust to ensure that the correct follow up happens.
   Continue to support your friend, listen, and help how you can. 

Suicide is a hard topic, but it's not something to avoid. Lots of people are here to help because they truly care for and about you, reach out and speak up.

September is Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month provides an additional opportunity to explore the incredible impact Latinas and Latinos have had on the United States for generations. The Latino presence in America spans centuries, predating Spain’s colonization of what is now part of the United States, and they have been an integral part of shaping our nation since the Revolutionary War. Through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Treaty of Paris that followed the Mexican-American and Spanish-American wars, the United States gained territories in the Southwest and Puerto Rico. This incorporated the people of this area into the United States and further expanded the presence of Hispanic Americans.

Today, the Latino population in the United States today is over 60 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes up 18.9% of the total population and is the largest racial or ethnic group. Latinos continue to help fuel our economy and enrich our nation as entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, entertainers, scientists, public servants, and much more.

If you need to reach me for questions or concerns, please email me at jesshawcroft24@northconejos.com or call 719-274-3912. Thank you!