To combat the fastest growing killer of young people in America today, Brockport Schools are implementing an international suicide prevention program called the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Faculty at the A.D. Oliver Middle School along with natural helpers, student leaders from various interest areas, recently received training on the proactive outreach program. The Yellow Ribbon Program is taught locally by Crestwood Children's Center, Hillside Children's Center and the Health Association's Lifeline.

Students and faculty learned about the warning signs for depression and suicide and how they could assist a young person needing help. They received Yellow Ribbon "ask for help" cards to distribute to anyone they feel is in need of help. If a student gives a card to someone in need, that student learns their responsibility is to stay with the person in need, listen to them, take them seriously, and get or call for help immediately. A student who is having a crisis and doesn't know how to ask for help, can take an "ask for help" card to a counselor, teacher, clergy, parent or friend and say "I need to use my yellow ribbon."

Parents are encouraged to learn to recognize the signs of depression and to contact their child's physician, a school counselor or a local mental health center if they are concerned about their child. If a young person threatens or attempts suicide, parents should immediately call 911 for assistance and stay with their child until help comes.

Symptoms of Depression

•Persistent sad or empty mood.

•Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, guilt, pessimism, or worthlessness.

•Chronic fatigue or loss of interest in ordinary activities.

•Disturbances in eating or sleeping patterns.

•Irritability, increased crying; generalized anxiety (person may have a chronic fear of dying or be convinced they're dying of an incurable disease), panic attacks.

•Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions.

•Thoughts of suicide, suicide plans or attempts.

•Persistent physical symptoms or pains that do not respond to treatment - headaches, stomach problems, neck/back pain, joint pain, mouth pain.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms or observing someone with these symptoms should seek help immediately. Getting help is key to suicide prevention … the earlier, the better.

Warning signs of suicide

•Talking or joking about suicide. Statements about being reunited with a deceased loved one.

•Statements about helplessness, hopelessness, or worthlessness. Example: "Life is useless." "Everyone would be better off without me." "It doesn't matter. I won't be around much longer anyway." "I wish I could just disappear."

•Preoccupation with death. Example: recurrent death themes in music, literature, or drawings. Writing letters or leaving notes referring to death or "the end."

•Suddenly happier or calmer.

•Loss of interest in things one cares about.

•Unusual visiting or calling people one cares about - saying their good-byes.

•Giving possessions away, making arrangements, settling affairs.

•Self-destructive behavior (alcohol/drug abuse, self-injury or mutilation, promiscuity).

•Risk-taking behavior (reckless driving/excessive speeding, carelessness around bridges, cliffs or balconies, or walking in front of traffic).

•Having several accidents, resulting in injury. Close calls or brushes with death.

•Obsession with guns or knives.