How you can help prevent youth suicide — resources and tips

 Losing a child is one of the absolute hardest things a family or community can go through.

 

Many children who die by suicide either thought no one cared or could not think beyond the pain and stress they were feeling.

 

It is up to everyone to contribute to a better world where youth suicide prevention is at the top of our minds.

 

Over the years, we have come to realize that a well put together mental health toolkit can be a great weapon in the fight against death by suicide.

 

Read on to learn how you can help end youth suicide, what a mental health tool kit is, and how to get help for a youth who is having suicidal thoughts.

 

 

Joining the fight against suicide in youth

 

Youth suicide has become a major problem that can be completely prevented if we all join together to watch for signs and provide help.

 

Sometimes a child will be open and honest with their loved ones, friends, parents, and other people they trust.

 

Other times, a child may try to hide their feelings — making it hard to tell that anything is wrong.

 

If you feel or think your child is having suicidal thoughts, it is okay to ask them directly if they are, what they are thinking, or how they are feeling.

 

Do not worry, simply asking them and talking about it will not cause your child to begin to have suicidal thoughts.

 

Even teachers, peers, family members, and other trusted adults can help.

 

 Everyone should play a part in the fight against youth suicide.

 

One of the best ways anyone can help is by watching for the warning signs, and either talking to the child yourself or seeking help for them.

 

 

What a mental health toolkit is

 

Since it takes a village to raise a child, and also keep them safe, there are always ways to come together for each child plus tools to help us all know what to do.

 

A mental health tool kit is designed to give guidelines for school personnel, mental health professionals, counselors, nurses, and other people in direct contact with the child or teen.

 

It provides resources and instructions on how to help the child — including strategies, phone numbers, and other information.

 

This tool kit was initially released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to aid in the national effort to prevent youth suicide.

 

There can be several versions of the mental health tool kit, including:

●        A personal toolkit that includes ways to relax, refocus, get help, and journals or notepads and checklists

●        School toolkit to direct the schools on the best ways to help support mental health

●        Workplace toolkit

●        Community toolkit

●        Or even an awareness toolkit to help spread the word

 

 

Seeking help

 

Everyone can join the fight and aid in the effort of youth suicide prevention.

 

If you notice signs of severe depression or suicidal thoughts in a child talk to them or find them the help they need by telling their parents, teachers, counselor, or other trusted adult.

 

As a parent you can set up a mental health toolkit, or a few, for your child that includes ways to help them, resources, and guidelines for others.

 

If you want to reach out to someone to talk or think it may help your child get a hold of the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

 

They can be reached through phone call or text at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

 

Someone is available 24/7 to talk and help you or your child through hard times.

 

You can also text the Crisis Text Line by texting “HELLO” to 741741.

 

Just remember, talk to your kid doesn't make them have suicidal thoughts — it just opens communication.

 

Also remember that it takes a village to raise a child, and every person is vital in ensuring their health — mentally and physically.