Helping Every Living Person (HELP) Depression and Suicide Prevention Curriculum

2009

(For resources, this is the publication date. For programs, this is the date posted.)

Information

Program/Practice
Crisis Connections

HELP curriculum materials are available for $250.

Crisis Connections can assist with training guidance if requested.

Contacts

Developed by Washington State, the Helping Every Living Person: Depression and Suicide Prevention Curriculum (HELP) educates students about depression and suicide prevention. HELP consists of four 45-minute lesson plans on the following topics:

  • Stress and depression.
  • Risk factors and warning signs of suicidal behavior.
  • Suicide intervention skills.
  • Practice of intervention skills and problem-solving skills (for overcoming obstacles).

HELP lessons integrate interactive teaching and participatory learning principles. The curriculum has a problem-solving orientation and is based on issues that students currently deal with, such as keeping confidences. Lessons are supplemented by a DVD, A Cry for Help: How to Help a Friend Who is Depressed or Suicidal, which features young people discussing some of the difficult issues associated with depression and suicide. The program does not take a therapeutic approach; rather, it empowers students to recognize the warning signs of suicide in their peers and to seek help. The curriculum materials are designed for students in grades 9-11 and can be incorporated into existing health classes.

Program Objectives

After participating in the curriculum, students should have:

  1. Increased knowledge about stress, depression, and suicide prevention strategies.
  2. Increased willingness to communicate about suicide with their peers.
  3. Increased knowledge of helping resources within their school and their community.

Implementation Essentials

2012 NSSP Objectives Addressed: 

Objective 7.1: Provide training on suicide prevention to community groups that have a role in the prevention of suicide and related behaviors.