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September 9, 2025

East Rockaway marks Suicide Prevention Week with guidance for students

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and school social worker Amy Weissman Canale has some guidance and tips to share about Suicide Prevention Week and 988 Day, a national initiative dedicated to raising awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7 by call, text, or online chat. This year’s theme is “Compassionate Help. Anytime. Anywhere.”


Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10–14 in the United States and the third leading cause among young people ages 15–24. Canale encourages students to reach out for help for themselves or a friend. Check out her video and slides below.


Anyone can connect with a trained counselor by calling or texting 988, or by visiting 988lifeline.org/chat.

Today, September 8th is 988 Day! 988 Day is a Day of Action meant toundefinedbring awareness about the national,undefined24/7, confidential, Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Contact 988 by text, phone or chat.undefined You can reach out for any reason: when youundefinedre struggling with your mental health, feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork, arguing with friends or family, or just need someone to vent to. To learn more or to connect with a skilled 988 counselor for support, visit 988lifeline.org September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Monthundefineda time to raise awareness, promote hope, and normalize help-seeking. Suicide affects millions of people every year, yet too many struggle in silence. Whether youundefinedre facing challenges, supporting a friend or loved one, or are looking to help, your voice matters. This month is dedicated to encouraging open conversations about mental health.undefined When we stand together in strength, dignity, hope, and purpose, we can make a difference!    An informational graphic about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, promoting mental health awareness.   Did you know you donundefinedt have toundefinedbe in a crisis to contact 988? Itundefineds a MYTH that 988 is only for emergencies. You can reach out if you or someone you care about is feeling anxious, stressed, stuck or having a rough day.undefined If somethingundefineds bothering you, thatundefineds a good reason to talk. Thereundefineds never any shame in reaching out. 988 counselors are available for all kinds of support - text, call or chat 24/7. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Monthundefineda time to raise awareness, promote hope, and normalize help-seeking. Suicide affects millions of people every year, yet too many struggle in silence. Whether youundefinedre facing challenges, supporting a friend or loved one, or are looking to help, your voice matters. This month is dedicated to encouraging open conversations about mental health.undefined When we stand together in strength, dignity, hope, and purpose, we can make a difference!    Checking in with friends aboutundefinedtheir mental health can make a difference! Send a snap or text, ask to hang out, let them know itundefineds okay to not be ok, recognize the warning signs of something more serious, or when to ask a trusted adult for advice. You can also contact 988 for advice if you are concerned about a friend. Find more information about warning signs and how to help at 988lifeline.org September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Monthundefineda time to raise awareness, promote hope, and normalize help-seeking. Suicide affects millions of people every year, yet too many struggle in silence. Whether youundefinedre facing challenges, supporting a friend or loved one, or are looking to help, your voice matters. This month is dedicated to encouraging open conversations about mental health.undefined When we stand together in strength, dignity, hope, and purpose, we can make a difference!    Did you know that newundefinedresearch confirms 98% ofundefinedpeople who call, text, or chat with 988 to get the support they need immediately and without emergency help? That means most people just need someone to listen, and 988 is here for that.undefined 988 works and itundefineds here for you or someone you care about. Check it out at 988lifeline.org September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Monthundefineda time to raise awareness, promote hope, and normalize help-seeking. Suicide affects millions of people every year, yet too many struggle in silence. Whether youundefinedre facing challenges, supporting a friend or loved one, or are looking to help, your voice matters. This month is dedicated to encouraging open conversations about mental health.undefined When we stand together in strength, dignity, hope, and purpose, we can make a difference!