Connection and Belongingness are the keys to youth suicide prevention

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Connection and Belongingness are the keys to
youth suicide prevention
Suicide is one of the top causes of death among
teens or youths. In the last twenty years, those
rates have increased by 62. It is a complex
concern but it is preventable with the right
approach and proper use of resources, in schools
and the wider community. Suicide prevention
training can play a big role in saving lives.
Throughout any approach it is important to help
teens feel connected and that they belong. Here
are some FAQs about suicide and prevention in
youths.
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What should I do if I think someone I know is
considering suicide? Ask them. Be direct and do
not try to avoid the language. Talking about it
is not going to give them the idea, or make them
more likely to do it. Asking them gets them to
talk to you about it hopefully. At the least, you
are showing you are someone they can talk to if
they ever need to. Sharing their fears helps to
diminish them and take away their power. It is an
important step in youth suicide prevention.
Practice first if you need to so you can get the
words out. If they do respond with a yes, then
express to them you are grateful they have given
you their trust and that you are there for them.
When people have suicidal thoughts they are good
at telling themselves lies like people would be
better off if they were gone. Show them and tell
them that they belong.
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What are some of the typical signs of a teen
thinking about suicide? Things to look for are
changes in personality, behavior and their
relationships. If the teen is usually positive
and social but becomes sullen and withdrawn that
is a possible warning sign. Giving away
possessions, changes in their sleep and eating,
having a lack of interest in their daily life and
no interest in personal hygiene are also signs.
Look at suicide prevention resources for help and
more information.
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Who is more at risk than others? There are groups
who are more at risk. Teens who identify as
LGBTQ2SIA are over 4 times more at risk of
suicide attempts. That lowers by a great deal if
they have one or more supportive and accepting
family member and friend. Rates are higher for
groups of ethnic minorities and for those in
families with lower incomes. Males are three
times more likely to die by suicide. However,
females are more likely to attempt suicide. That
comes down to their preferred methods. Males
choose ways that are more likely to be successful
like firearms. Homes that have easy-to-access
firearms are also where you can find teens more
at risk.
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What can parents do if they are struggling to get
their teen into a therapist? Youth suicide
prevention requires access to proper healthcare
including a therapist and currently, there is a
severe shortage of experts. Even in places where
that shortage is less of an issue some parents
still find it hard to get the help they need.
Consider talking to the school to see what they
have access to, talk to telehealth providers and
reach out to your insurance provider. Teens need
to feel connected and that they belong so work on
that while you are getting help.
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Conclusion The thing people need to be aware of
too is that suicidal thoughts come in waves. One
morning might be especially bad, but even that
same day, later in the evening they might be a
lot better. It does not mean they are no longer
thinking about suicide, it just comes and goes in
waves. You still need to access suicide
prevention resources, remind them they belong and
protect them to help them stay safe.