The Signs of Suicide (SOS) Program is an evidence-based suicide prevention and mental health education program designed for middle and high school students. The program helps young people recognize the signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thinking in themselves and others while empowering them to seek help from trusted adults and mental health professionals.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people, but it is preventable. Many students who are struggling with their mental health may not know how to ask for help or may not recognize that what they are experiencing is treatable. The SOS Program provides age-appropriate education that increases awareness, reduces the stigma surrounding mental health, and encourages early intervention before a crisis occurs.
At the core of the program is the easy-to-remember ACT message:
- Acknowledge that signs of depression, suicide, or emotional distress are serious.
- Care by showing support and letting the person know they are not alone.
- Tell a trusted adult immediately so they can help connect the individual with appropriate support.
Through engaging classroom lessons, videos, guided discussions, and interactive activities, students learn to identify warning signs, understand the importance of seeking help, and develop the confidence to support friends in a safe and responsible way. The program emphasizes that students are not expected to solve a friend’s problems on their own, but instead play an important role in recognizing concerns and connecting others to caring adults.
When offered by participating schools, the SOS Program may also include a brief mental health screening that helps identify students who may benefit from additional support. Students whose screening indicates a potential concern are connected with appropriate school personnel, parents or guardians, and community mental health resources as needed.
Research has shown that the Signs of Suicide Program can increase students’ knowledge of mental health, improve help-seeking behaviors, and reduce suicide attempts. By combining education with early identification and intervention, the SOS Program helps create safer, more supportive school environments where students understand that mental health is just as important as physical health.
At Maumee Valley Guidance Center, we are committed to partnering with schools to provide prevention education that promotes emotional well-being, builds resilience, and connects students and families with the resources they need. Through the Signs of Suicide Program, we strive to ensure every student knows that help is available, hope is real, and no one has to face mental health challenges alone.