September is Suicide Prevention Month
2026-09-01 05:06:00 News & Articles - Curriculum Updates & Releases
Suicide can be a difficult topic to discuss, but it is an important one especially for young people.
Understanding what to look for and how to get help can aid in these difficult conversations and help combat this public health crisis.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among youth ages 10-14 in the U.S. and the third leading cause among young people ages 15-24.
Educators’ Critical Role
Educators play a critical role in prevention by recognizing early warning signs. Students spend a significant portion of their time in school, which gives educators a unique perspective to notice any changes in behavior, attendance, or grades that might indicate a student's need for mental health support.
The Michigan Model for HealthTM helps build mental wellness and prevention skills by teaching students how to identify emotions, manage stress, build supportive relationships, and ask trusted adults for help. The skills-based lessons give educators practical tools to strengthen protective factors and support early intervention before a crisis develops.
Know the Signs
Suicide is complex and there isn’t any single cause. Knowing what to look for is the first step in prevention. It is important to understand that there may be no warning signs in some individuals and that sometimes youth who display any of these warning signs, are not at risk of suicide.
- Academic changes: declining grades, attendance issues
- Behavior Changes: withdrawing from family and friends
- Mood changes: depression, agitation
- Sharing feelings of hopelessness, feeling like a burden, speaking about self-harm
- Physical Changes: sleeping more, headaches, stomach aches, decrease in hygiene
Getting Help
Asking for help can be hard and knowing when to ask for help when a person is going through a mental health crisis can be even harder. Teaching students how to ask for help starts early and having conversations to support students and their use of this skill is vital for the health of themselves and for others.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The Model for Healthy Kids
The Michigan Model for HealthTM is a nationally recognized, research-based comprehensive and sequential Pre-K through 12th grade health education curriculum. The MMH curriculum aims to give school-aged children and youth the knowledge and skills needed to practice and maintain healthy behaviors and lifestyles. It provides age-appropriate lessons addressing the most serious health challenges facing school children and youth.
Contact Us
Email our MMH support team at support@michiganmodelforhealth.org.