Counselors Corner

September is Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month
Things you should know, what to do, what to say: 

Understanding youth stressors:
As parents, caregivers, and trusted adults, we can support youth and children with the stressors
they face on a daily basis, and that, in rare circumstances, may contribute to suicidal behaviors
and attempts. For a young person, factors that could contribute to a suicidal crisis might include a
combination of the following:
● Stress.
● Feeling socially isolated.
● Lack of sleep or irregular sleeping patterns.
● Exposure to bullying.
● Mental health conditions.
● Adverse childhood experiences and traumatic experiences.
● Discrimination about one’s identity (gender identity and/or sexual orientation).
● Periods of transition.
● Economic stressors.

How to listen and offer support
In order to have open conversations around mental health with young people, it is important to
show that we are listening: Ask questions that show we care, validate emotions, help build
problem-solving skills (which is different from solving their problems for them), and make space
and time for ongoing conversations.

During these conversations, ask open-ended questions about mental health and listen closely and
openly to the responses. Possible questions can be:
● Do you ever get sad or lonely? What do you do to feel better?
● Do you ever feel stressed? What do you do to feel less stressed out?
● Do you or your friends ever talk about hurting yourselves or wanting to die?

Sleep is an often overlooked stressor, and lack of sleep or irregular sleeping patterns can be a risk factor for suicide. Ample sleep can protect young people from many negative health consequences.

If you are concerned about possible suicide risk for anyone, including a young person, please ask direct questions like, “Are you having thoughts or suicide?” or “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” are straightforward and ask
for a clear yes/no answer.

If they are thinking of killing themselves, encourage them to reach out to an adult they trust, someone who can help. You may also want to talk with an adult you trust to ensure that the correct follow up happens. 
Continue to support one another, listen, and help how you can.