Preventing Youth Suicide: Tips for Self-Care and Supporting Others

As we focus on the health of kids and teens, it’s important to remember that the topic of mental health is just as important as physical health. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people from ages 10 to 24, and youth suicide rates are increasing at an alarming rate, rising 16% from 2011-2022. The transitions throughout adolescence are critical to development, with a large number of changes happening at once. It can be difficult navigating these changes along with relationships, education, and living circumstances, leading to mental health struggles in many young people which can be associated with increased risk for suicide. With these cases on the rise, it’s more important than ever to raise awareness to this topic and stay informed on how you can help. 

If you are struggling, remember that you are heard, and you are not alone. It’s okay to share your feelings and ask for help. Here are a few ways you can take care of yourself:

1. Be aware of your triggers

There may be certain things such as songs or photos which make you feel worse. Avoid these. Identifying and understanding your triggers helps you be more in control of your feelings. It helps to simply be aware of them, but it may help to write them down. It may also be helpful to find what helps you once triggered.

1. Make a safety plan

Having a safety plan with things you find helpful when you’re struggling can help guide you through difficult moments. This could be anything from grounding exercises to taking a cold shower. You can do this on your own or with the guidance of a mental health professional. Having a template may be helpful, however simply writing down a list works better for some. 

1. Talk to people you trust/ a professional

Many times, talking to someone about how you’re feeling can be helpful, whether it’s your friends, family, or a mental health professional. Sometimes, even just being around the people you love can help. Having a solid support group can really help with getting through rough times, and mental health professionals are trained to help you get better. Remember to stay patient if you choose to talk to friends or family as they might not always know how to help. Let them know how they can help you, and if they can’t, professional help may be a better option. 

Families, teachers, friends, and peers can play a key role in preventing suicide and supporting youth. Here’s how you can help someone in your life if you notice they’re struggling:

• Listen to them and provide support: Sometimes, a person who’s struggling may just need someone to listen to them and give them some reassurance. Don’t minimize their feelings and acknowledge that their emotions are valid, and let them know you’re there for them. It’s important to remember, however, that taking on this role on your own can affect your own mental health. It’s important to set boundaries if needed and let them know if it becomes too much, and suggest speaking to a mental health professional or someone else who may be able to help.

• Learn the warning signs: Many times, someone having suicidal thoughts let people know if they’re thinking about dying, and their signs are often times missed. Especially in modern society where it’s become a normalized joke to say you want to commit suicide, it’s important to know the warning signs and when they aren’t joking. Changes such as withdrawing from people and self-harm can be warning signs that someone is thinking about committing suicide. You can read more about the numerous warning signs here.

• Tell a trusted adult: Neither of you have to face this alone, so don’t promise to keep suicide a secret. Tell them how you can help, but let them know that you on your own can’t do everything, and that you need to get someone involved. At first. they may be upset with you for telling, but it very well could save their life.

Have you had any experiences with this subject that you’d like to talk about? Do you have any questions or thoughts? Let us know in the comments!

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