The National School Chaplain Association has published a new article entitled Catch The Wave, Student Lives Saved, which increases awareness this September while the world is focused on Suicide Prevention Month. It matters that school chaplains are on campus all day, every day. Actual life-saving student stories are shared.
The article will be of particular interest to suicide prevention organizations, parents, educators, school officials, DHHS, mental health providers, child protective services, teachers and civilian chaplain corp.
All who are interested can view the full article at https://www.nsca.global/blog/catch-the-wave-student-lives-saved
The article states that suicide rarely happens suddenly. More often, there is a silent build up of hopelessness, confusion, social pressure or any number of reasons. Especially for young students, little problems can seem enormous when managed alone. This is why providing the constant presence of a trained school chaplain matters. They become acutely aware of the students and the atmosphere around them. Any changes are perceived early and addressed.
Most importantly, the students begin to recognize that the chaplain is trustworthy and available. Chaplains listen to what is said (and not said). Struggling students feel valued, and the need to belong is satisfied. Ineffective coping skills are bolstered by insights in faith. Students begin to feel empowered and hopeful. The meaning of life and the excitement to live is reborn.
The best example of this is perhaps found in the following extract:
'A student was cutting herself. The school chaplain intervened. Healthy coping skills were developed. Another life was saved, yet it could have easily been missed. On the outside, all seemed well. She had been flying under the radar; making good grades, participating in activities, and had friends.'
In discussing the article's creation, Dorothy Kozar, Editorial Contributor, and author of this article at National School Chaplain Association said:
"Faith is a place to address desperation that is not otherwise relieved. For some students, spiritual rescue from suicide may only be available to them at school. A multidisciplinary approach is comprehensively effective. Chaplains also collaborate with licensed professional school counselors."
Regular readers of National School Chaplain Association will notice the article takes a familiar tone, which has been described as 'non-confrontational, but compels a fresh look at all sides with a deeper perspective and a call to action.'
National School Chaplain Association welcomes comments and questions from readers, in relation to the article. The reason is simply because dialog dispels misconceptions and accomplishes important things that would otherwise be lost. It's an opportunity to become better together.’
Anyone who has a specific question about a past, present, or future article can contact National School Chaplain Association via their website at https://www.nsca.global
The complete article is available to view in full at https://www.nsca.global/blog/catch-the-wave-student-lives-saved.
National School Chaplain Association
PO Box 720746
Norman
OK
73070
United States
