Today, you can familiarize yourself with the warning signs of both suicide and violence. I have included a list of each with this course. You may notice that there is a lot of overlap between the two lists. Both situations arise when someone is feeling hopeless, helpless, and is spiraling in a downward direction. There are differences as well. Once you learn the warning signs, talk with your school administration and student services team to be sure you are aware of recommended referral procedures. If you are with a student who concerns you, do not leave him or her alone. Walk the student to the appropriate professional to ensure that he or she gets the help that is needed.

Once a student has received assistance, check-in regularly with him or her to show your ongoing concern. You don't have to have all the answers. Simply listen and show empathy, even if your perspective on the situation or crisis is different from his or hers.

It is extremely important that you not make a promise to keep any suicidal or violent ideation a secret. If you are asked to do so, it's critical that you explain the limits to confidentiality and your obligation to report anything you see or hear that causes concern of harm to self or others. Then, follow up quickly with a report to the appropriate person. Again, if you are concerned about the student taking imminent action, keep him or her with you while you get help.

You may also notice warning signs of violence in students or others you encounter. Violence can manifest in the form of a confrontation, fight, or another type of attack. School attacks are very rare events. However, just as we work to prevent and prepare for other possible emergencies, we want to do the same for violence. Knowing the warning signs of both violence and suicide will help you not only in a school setting but in the workplace and public venues as well. We always want to maintain a certain level of vigilance and pay particular attention to things that seem "off", out of context, or out of the ordinary.

As reported in the Washington Post and frequently updated, 1 in 8 mass shootings takes place in a school. To learn more about the math of mass shootings, you can view the article here.