September is Suicide Prevention Month

September is suicide prevention month, a time to acknowledge and reflect on the rise in child and teen mental health issues and suicide rates. Suicide is the leading cause of death among children 10-14 and the third leading cause of death among the 15-24 age group. Consider that 80% of teens who die by suicide show warning signs, and 90% of teens who die by suicide have a mental health condition. Learning how to detect warning signs gives us a better chance of reaching these young people when there is still time to intervene. Rather than assuming “it is just a phase” or a teenager is simply “being dramatic”, awareness of warning signs can save lives. 
Access to treatment, initiating suicide prevention programs, and making it “OK” to ask for help, allow us to be a source of hope and stability for children who are experiencing thoughts of self-harm. Care plans and “check in/check out” programs in schools pair a student with a trusted adult who can monitor vulnerable students for signs of stress. Screening for thoughts of self harm through regular medical care or as part of evaluations for other concerns such as anxiety or ADHD are critical in identifying students who may not otherwise seek help. And keeping communication open between children and their parents gives those children permission to confide without fear of the response. 
Check out these 40 Ways To Get Help and Information on Suicide Prevention. Be aware, be proactive, and be safe. https://bit.ly/3RqLTSP