Writing in the student newspaper at Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester, Massachusetts, Aliel Claudio reminds us that September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, sometimes referred to simply as Suicide Prevention Month.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration confirms this on its website and provides valuable toolkits and resources to help communities raise awareness of suicide prevention, such as the 988 hotline.
Let us take this occasion to focus on the mental well-being of young people in our communities. While often a difficult topic to discuss, understanding the reality of teen suicide is the first step toward preventing it. According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide was the second-leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 10 and 24. This sobering statistic underscores the significance of this public health issue, emphasizing the importance of awareness and open conversation more than ever.
Recognizing when a teen is struggling is key to connecting them with help. Experts at organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) highlight common warning signs, which can be grouped into talk, behavior, and mood. These may include talking about being a burden, withdrawing from social activities, unusual changes in sleep or eating habits, expressing feelings of hopelessness, or an increase in irritability or anxiety. If you notice these signs, the 988 Lifeline provides guidance on how to start a conversation. Simply asking “Are you okay?” in a private, non-judgmental way can open the door for them to share what they’re going through and is a powerful first step.
Fortunately, free, confidential, and immediate help is always available. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can now call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to be connected with a trained counselor 24/7. For those who prefer texting, the Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting “HOME” to 741741. Specialized support is also available from organizations like The Trevor Project, which provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth through their phone line (1-866-488-7386), text, and chat services.
To any teen struggling in silence, please know that you are not alone, and what you’re feeling right now is not permanent. It takes immense courage to battle difficult thoughts, and it takes even more to ask for help. Reaching out is a sign of incredible strength. For friends, your support can make a world of difference. You don’t need to have the answers; you need to be there.