EDUCATOR APPROVED, YOUTH SUICIDE
PREVENTION INITIATIVE
DONT LET
THEM BELIEVE
THAT SUICIDE
IS THE
ONLY ANSWER.
OUR MISSION
The S.T.O.P. mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors through public education, local community advocacy, training, school assemblies, and peer support. We provide education and training in schools and community organizations across Texas.
WHY S.T.O.P?
The mental health crisis among youth remains a critical concern, with alarming rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors reported in 2023. These statistics reveal the immense challenges faced by young people, especially female and LGBTQ+ students, as they navigate feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and isolation. Addressing these issues requires urgent action, compassion, and comprehensive support systems to ensure no child feels left behind.
- SUICIDE PLANS AND ATTEMPTS:
- 15% of students reported making a suicide plan in 2023.
- 10% of students attempted suicide, with females (13%) and LGBTQ+ youth (20%) reporting higher rates.
- SUICIDE ATTEMPTS AMOUNT LGBTQ+ YOUTH: In 2023, 20% of LGBTQ+ students reported attempting suicide in the past year, compared to significantly lower rates among cisgender and heterosexual peers.
- PERSISTENT SADNESS OR HOPELESSNESS: Over 57% of female students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2023, compared to 29% of male students.
- OVERALL SUICIDAL THOUGHTS: In 2023, 18% of high school students seriously considered attempting suicide, with female students (approximately 23%) and LGBTQ+ students (41%) disproportionately affected.
- TRENDS OVER TIME: Between 2013 and 2023, mental health indicators like persistent sadness and suicidal ideation worsened for most groups, though there was a slight decrease in sadness and hopelessness from 2021 to 2023.
Citation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2024. Available at CDC Healthy Youth.
WHO IS TAKING ACTION AND HOW CAN I HELP?
School districts across Texas are taking notice and taking action with S.T.O.P. school assemblies, video presentations and mental health professional networking abilities.
WHAT WE THINK ABOUT S.T.O.P. …
Real Testimonies
- Diamond
“In my darkest time of life, I remembered the message of S.T.O.P, That we are never alone.”
- Clarissa
- Chad
“S.T.O.P. means so much to me as a suicide survivor. I am thankful for all the school outreach S.T.O.P. does. Helping students who are struggling and showing them they care and want to help. For so many people that’s all it takes to get the person the help they need before they go too far.”
DO YOU KNOW THE SIGNS?
S.T.O.P. Can Help!
The statistics say that there are teenagers in your own community that are, right this very moment, considering taking their own life. Do you know the risk factors and the symptoms of an imminent suicide? S.T.O.P. is determined to educate as many people as possible to slow down and eventually erradicate the rising rate of teen suicide.
How Can I Help?
Your donations can help S.T.O.P. combat the rising rate of teen suicide. Please consider
making a contribution to the outreach effort. Any and all donations will be accepted and appreciated.
Are you an educator that is interested in bringing the S.T.O.P. program to your school? Contact S.T.O.P. for more information and become a partner school today.