The Mississippi Department of Mental Health has launched a statewide youth suicide

  prevention campaign entitled, Shatter the Silence Suicide, The Secret You Shouldn't

  Keep.

  The campaign targets young adults in Mississippi. The campaign encourages youth to

  speak out if they or someone they know is thinking, writing or talking about suicide. 

  DMH has created brouchures and posters that will be distributed statewide beginning

  September 1.

  Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in Mississippi for young people ages 15-24. 

  The MS High School Survey for Youth Risk Behavior (2007) reported that 13.4%

  of students seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months and 10.6% of students

  made a plan about how they would commit suicide in the past 12 months.   

Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training

Suicide Prevention PSA video

What Not to Do

Where to Go For Help

Why Do Keep Suicide a Secret?

The stigma or negative thoughts associated with mental illness causes many people not to seek help. When people are having problems and do not seek help, sometimes they may begin to feel hopeless. Hopelessness can lead to thoughts of suicide.

Mental health problems are surprisingly common. Mental illnesscan happen to anyone; no one is immune.

They are equal opportunity diseases, striking families of all walks of life, regardless of age, race, income,

religion or education.

People with mental illness can recover or manage their conditions and go on to live happy, healthy, productive lives. One of the most important factors in recovery is the understanding and acceptance of friends.

You can be the first step in someone's recovery, just by supporting them. Be there for your friends if they have a mental illness.

FACT or FICTION

Fiction:  You can't stop people who want to kill themselves.

Fact:  Most suicidal people do not really want to die.  They just want their pain to stop.

Fiction: Talking to my friend about suicide will only make it worse.

Fact:  Talking through feelings with your friends and trusted adults can help you realize the need for help.

By showing concern and support, you can encourage your friend to talk to their parents or another trusted adult about getting help.

Fiction: Telling someone that my friend is talking about suicide is betraying their trust.

Fact: Depression and thoughts of suicide interferes with a person’s ability or wish to get help. It is an act of true friendship to share your concerns with a trusted adult.