As September marks Suicide Prevention Month, it’s a critical time for us to reflect on how we can support the mental well-being of children and teenagers. Youth mental health is a topic that demands our attention year-round. Still, this month is especially dedicated to raising awareness, breaking the stigma, and offering the necessary resources to those who need help.
The Statistics Paint a Concerning Picture
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 24, according to the CDC. Every year, thousands of families are affected by the tragic loss of a young person to suicide.
- In 2021, nearly 20% of high school students reported serious thoughts of suicide.
- About 9% of youth made a suicide attempt requiring medical intervention.
These numbers are more than just statistics—they represent lives that could have been saved with timely intervention and support.
Mental Health Matters: Understanding the Signs
Teenagers often go through intense emotional and physical changes, which can make it challenging to discern normal adolescent behavior from more serious mental health issues.
Some warning signs of suicide risk include:
- Withdrawal from friends and activities they once enjoyed.
- Increased anxiety or agitation over seemingly small issues.
- Excessive sadness or mood swings lasting for more than a few weeks.
- Talking about feeling hopeless, worthless, or being a burden to others.
- Changes in sleep patterns—sleeping too much or too little.
- Engaging in risky or self-harm behavior, such as substance abuse.
- Giving away personal belongings or saying goodbye.
It’s essential to understand that not every teen will exhibit all these signs, but if you notice any of these behaviors persisting, it’s essential to seek help immediately.
How Parents Can Support Their Teen
As a parent, knowing how to approach these sensitive topics can be incredibly challenging.
Here are some ways to support your teen:
1. Foster Open Communication: Create a safe space where your child feels comfortable expressing their feelings. Let them know it’s okay not to be okay. All feelings are welcome here.
2. Check In Regularly: Ask about their mental health the same way you would check in about their physical health. Show interest in their day-to-day experiences. ASK THEM IF THEY FEEL LIKE ESCAPING FROM LIFE OR FEELING LIKE THEY WOULD BE BETTER OFF DEAD.
3. Validate Their Feelings: Even if what they’re feeling seems trivial, it’s important not to minimize their emotions. What may seem small to you can feel overwhelming to them. Strive to value their emotions authentically. Don't compare or state that you understand. Say instead, "That sounds really difficult, or That does sound really hard." "Can you tell me more?"
4. Model Healthy Coping Strategies: Show your teen how to handle stress and setbacks in a healthy way. Demonstrating resilience will help them develop their coping skills. Talk about hard days and hard feelings openly and what you do when feeling that way. For example: "I need to go take a walk to let my mind reset." "I'm going to take a cold shower to clear my head."
5. Know When to Seek Professional Help: If you notice ongoing changes in your child/teen’s behavior, mood, or energy level, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a mental health professional. Early intervention can make all the difference. DON'T WAIT.
Resources for Teens and Parents
You don’t have to navigate this alone. There are numerous resources available that provide immediate support, counseling, and long-term strategies for both teens and their families:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis counseling
- The Trevor Project (specifically for LGBTQ+ youth): 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
- Teen Line: A hotline for teens, run by teens – Text TEEN to 839863
- Local Mental Health Clinics: Many communities have free or low-cost mental health services available to youth. Olympia Therapy is here to support and guide both teens and their parents. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information at info@olympiatherapy.com.
Olympia Therapy now has graduate interns in mental health counseling and marriage and family therapy, scheduling new patients.
You Are Not Alone
No one should feel like they have to walk this journey in isolation. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, or a teen struggling with your own mental health, help is available.
Together, we can make a difference by recognizing the signs, offering support, and fostering a community that understands mental health is just as important as physical health.
Let’s make this Suicide Prevention Month a time to raise awareness, offer support, and remind our young people that their lives are valuable.
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