Education

Although I am not a mental health professional, there is a call in the U.S,. for increased school and public mental health services. I am deeply concerned about our youth. Between self-harm, risky behaviors and suicide, we are truly in a mental health crisis. There have been startling statistics reported for youth and suicide rates during the pandemic.

Every year there are approximately 10 teen suicides for every 100,000 teenagers. 

Every day there are approximately 11.5 teen suicides.

Every 2 hours and 15 minutes, a person under the age of 25 completes suicide.  

Based on these alarming statistics, the Centers for Disease Control ranks suicide as the third leading cause of death for teens and young adults between the ages of 15-24.  It also ranks suicide as the fourth leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 10-14.  

From the Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2022/02/01/teenage-girls-suicide-pandemic-covid/

From CNN: Emergency department visits for suspected suicide attempts among youth, especially girls, ages 12 to 17 started to increase in May 2020, according to a US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study. The same study found that from February 21, 2021, to March 20 of the same year, visits increased by 50.6% among girls and 3.7% among boys in that age range, when compared with the same time period in 2019.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, suicide risk factors include:

• Changes in eating and sleeping habits
• Loss of interest in activities or school
• Neglecting one’s personal appearance
• Obsession with death and dying
• More complaints of physical ailments linked to emotional distress
• Problems focusing
• Lack of response to praise
• Verbal hints such as ‘I won’t be a problem much longer’ or ‘If anything happens to me, I want you to know…’”
• Giving or throwing away cherished belongings
• Cheeriness after a depressive episode

Suicide Prevention Resources

National Suicide Prevention Line– The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line- A free, 24/7 text line for people in crisis. Text HOME to 741741

Lifeline Crisis Chat– National chat network that can provide online emotional support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention services.

Youth Suicide Warning Signs- Information on the warning signs of suicide and what you can do to help.

National Alliance on Mental Illness– The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults/What-You-Need-to-Know-About-Youth-Suicide

The Campaign to Change Direction– The Campaign to Change Direction encourages all Americans to pay attention to their emotional well-being and aims to change the culture of mental health in America.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) works to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.

Crisis Center Birmingham- The mission of the Crisis Center is to serve the unmet needs of people experiencing personal crisis or mental health issues and respond with services that promote coping, emotional health and well-being. CRISIS LINE (205) 323-7777

The Jason Foundation- The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is dedicated to the prevention of the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs that equip young people, educators/youth workers and parents with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth.

American Association of Suicidology- The American Association of Suicidology promotes understanding and prevention of suicide and supports those who have been affected by it.

The Trevor Project– The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth.