Building Capacity in Military-Connected Schools

SOS Signs of Suicide Program (SOS)

http://nrepp.samhsa.gov/ViewIntervention.aspx?id=53

http://nrepp.samhsa.gov

Goals:To prevent suicide attempts, increase knowledge about suicide and depression, develop desirable attitudes toward suicide and depression, and increase help-seeking behavior in adolescent.

Target Outcomes:For adolescent to understand that suicide is directly related to mental illness, typically depression, and that it is not a normal reaction to stress or emotional upset.

Target Populations:13 to 17 year olds

Problem:Mental health and suicide in adolescent

Intervention:

• Educational component
• Increases understanding and recognition of depressive symptoms in self and others
• Video
• Demonstrates dramatization depicting signs of suicidality and depression 
• Provides methods to react to someone who is depressed and suicidal 
• Includes interviews with people whose lives have been touched by suicides 
• Self-screening component
• Assesses and evaluates depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts
• Prompts students to seek assistance with mental health issues
• Discussion guide 
• Columbia Depression Scale (CDS) scores for clinical depression
• Includes instructions and interpretation sheets 
• Emphasis on peer intervention
• Minimal staff training

Resources:

• $375 for SOS high school kit
• $2,000 for one-day on-site training 
• $1,600 for half-day on-site training 
• Free technical assistance via phone and email

Results:

• 40% less likely to report a suicide attempt in the past 3 months 
• greater knowledge about depression and suicide 
• more desirable attitude regarding depression and suicide