September is National Suicide Prevention Month. A month-long observance where mental health advocates, survivors, allies, and community members unite to observe, educate, and teach suicide awareness and prevention.
According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, mental illness is overly common in the United States, with an estimated one in five adults living with a form of mental illness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, based on a 2021 study, suicide was the eleventh leading cause of death in the US, claiming the lives of nearly 50,000 individuals.
Based on that same study, suicide was the second leading cause of death for individuals 25 to 34 years of age, and the fifth leading cause of death among those between the ages of 35 and 44. Sadly, that same report referenced there were twice as many suicides in the United States that year, as there were homicides.
More startling is a study from the American Academy of Pediatrics. That study found suicide to be the second leading cause of death for children, adolescents, and young adults between the ages of 10 and 24. Moreover, pediatric suicide rates nearly tripled between 2007 and 2017 among that same age bracket.
Children and mental health
For someone who has an undergraduate degree in psychology; a Master of Science and Doctorate in the areas of Rehabilitation Counseling Psychology, I was shocked to read about these statistics amongst children. In thinking back, I can remember when I was ten, eleven, twelve, and even up to my mid-twenties; sure, I had bad days, and stress while studying for tests during both high school and college. Though I do not ever remember such sadness which could have pulled me into any type of thought processes related to suicide.
Further, as a mother of four (three sons and a daughter), I have consistently watched my children’s mental health status. My oldest son, Duquesne, is serious, optimistically focused, and positively precise in his thinking; my second, Preston, much more relaxed, but also optimistic, motivated, and determined; my third son, Crider, is an extremely carefree, fun individual, and my youngest, Merritt, my only daughter, has a cheerful, and confident outlook on life. I know my children, and I know when they are troubled, but I am lucky, overall, they have positive dispositions, and more importantly, open communication in relation to any troubles.
Dr. Christina Rahm
Though, what is a parent to do if communication with their children is limited, they suspect sadness and despondence, and have concerns regarding mental health issues, and signs of suicidal ideation?
According to, Rosezina Meadows, PhD, “In understanding suicidal ideation, it is important to understand the issue in terms of risk factors.”
According to Dr. Meadows, risk factors can be specific to teens such as bullying or cyberbullying, and even social reaction to gender identity and sexual orientation. Factors can include peer pressure and the influence of social media. Finally, changes in the home environment such as parental divorce could be a preceptor in suicidal ideation as they often blame themselves.
Certified through the National Board for Certified Counselors, and a licensed mental health clinician with more than 30 years of experience in psychological counseling, Dr. Meadows added, “Risk factors for suicide ideation can also include, but not limited to, having diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness or chemical dependency, depression, anxiety, bipolar, or substance use disorders. Also, children with suicidal ideations could express feelings of hopelessness and even irritability. Behaviors can include isolating, sleeping too much or too little, and an increased or decreased appetite, or substance use.”
Also important to note, children, adolescents, and even teenagers, may not feel comfortable verbalizing their mental or emotional struggles. Therefore, if you see your child struggling, do not hesitate to ask questions.
“Protective measures such as open communication and offering support can greatly reduce suicide risk,” said Meadows.
Resources for parents
As a parent, one can approach suicide prevention the same way you would other safety or health issues involving children. By educating yourself, you better learn what puts kids at greatest risk for suicide, and what can help protect them. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention hosts a website on what parents should know (and watch for) when it comes to suicide ideation in children. Go to https://afsp.org/teens-and-suicide-what-parents-should-know/
In closing, an additional online resource option can also be found at https://988lifeline.org/ which is a 24 hour per day, 7 days a week, crisis resource hotline, with the option to call, text, or chat. The Lifeline provides confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Unfortunately, this has not been one of the most pleasant topics for discussion, but I feel, and as the statistics show, it is imperative we all be on alert for signs of mental health issues that could lead to potential suicide in friends, family, and especially our children, and take the necessary steps to intervene and mitigate any risks.
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