Murray City School District recognizes that suicide is a serious public health issue impacting individuals, families, and communities – including ours. And with September being Suicide Awareness month, it’s an excellent time to refresh on the impact and signs.

According to the most recent data available, suicide continues to be a major concern in Utah. The age-adjusted suicide rate in Utah was 20.9 per 100,000 population from 2021 to 2023, with 696 deaths in 2023 alone. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 727,000 people die by suicide each year, making it the third leading cause of death among people aged 15-29 worldwide.

Did you know that MCSD conducts mental health screenings to students with parent permission? As leadership plans Mental Health Screenings for the 2024-25 school year, we’d like to get a sense of how many families and students would be interested in this service. Utah Code 53F-2-522 outlines the parameters for Mental Health Screening in Utah schools.

Murray City School District screens (not assesses) students for Depression and Anxiety. This is not given to every student, but only to students whose parents are interested and give permission. By filling out this form, you will help MCSD leadership determine how and when you would like to take advantage of this opportunity. If you have any questions, please contact MCSD Prevention Coordinator, Sierra Marsh at smarsh@murrayschools.org.

We believe suicide prevention and awareness are key to addressing this epidemic among our young people, thus alleviating the emotional pain and suffering of those affected. Knowing the warning signs and risk factors is important. 

To that end, here are 10 warning signs that may indicate a youth is at risk for suicide:

1. Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves.
2. Making statements about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
3. Exhibiting extreme mood swings, including sudden calmness after depression or agitation.
4. Expressing feelings of being trapped or feeling like there is no way out of a situation.
5. Giving away prized possessions or making arrangements for the future.
6. Increased use of drugs or alcohol.
7. Withdrawal from family and friends and social activities.
8. Reckless behavior or risky activities without thinking about the consequences.
9. Expressing feelings of being a burden to others or feeling like they are a problem for others.
10. The sudden improvement in mood after a period of depression which may be a sign that they have decided to attempt suicide.

Please take any of these warning signs seriously and seek professional help immediately.

If you or someone you know is experiencing harmful thoughts, please seek help. School social workers and psychologists can help. But Utah’s SafeUT app hotline at 833–372-3388, the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline at (800) 273-8255 (or dialing 988) are ready to help.