Suicide Awareness & Prevention

Conversations about mental health have gained much-needed visibility in recent years, yet suicide remains a topic that can still feel too heavy or stigmatized to discuss openly.

Breaking that silence is crucial.

With suicide being one of the leading causes of death worldwide, especially among young people and marginalized groups, we must come together as a community to offer support, understanding, and resources to those in need.

The Importance of Talking About Suicide

I’ve had parents question why we ask about suicide in the clinic. Some think their kids are too young to be asked such a question. Others worry that we’re putting thoughts into their heads.

Talking about suicide doesn't increase the risk. Studies show this.

What talking about it can do is create opportunities for intervention and help. If someone in your life is struggling, they may feel isolated, misunderstood, or trapped. By opening the door to a conversation, you can provide a lifeline to someone who might feel like they have nowhere else to turn.

Yes, it can be uncomfortable. You might feel like you won’t know what to say. It’s common for people to believe they need to have all the right words or a solution, but that’s not the case. It’s okay to not have the right words. What’s most important is being present, listening without judgment, and offering emotional support. Sometimes just knowing that someone cares can make all the difference.

Knowing your family member is struggling can prompt you to help them get professional help and to make your home a safer place for them as they’re working through things. If that’s not possible, you can get them to a place that is safe.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Suicide often feels unpredictable, but there are warning signs that we can learn to recognize in ourselves and others. These signs can include:

• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities once enjoyed.

• Changes in mood, including prolonged sadness, irritability, or feelings of hopelessness.

• Talking or writing about death or suicide - Bark monitors online activities and alerts parents and guardians to potential issues, including suicidal ideation, depression, self-harm, and more.

• Sudden changes in behavior, like increased risk-taking or substance use.

• Giving away personal possessions or saying goodbye to loved ones.

If you notice any of these signs in someone you care about, you can make a difference!

How to Support Someone in Crisis

It can feel overwhelming to know what to do when someone you care about is experiencing suicidal thoughts. While it’s essential to seek professional help, here are some immediate steps you can take:

• Ask directly: You won’t give someone the idea of suicide by asking them if they are thinking about it. In fact, this may open up a conversation that allows them to express their feelings.

• Be there: Offer to stay with the person or be available via phone or text. Your presence can provide comfort during an intense emotional crisis.

• Encourage professional help: Gently suggest speaking to a therapist, counselor, or calling a suicide prevention hotline.

• Take care of yourself: Supporting someone in crisis is challenging, and you must also prioritize your mental health. Reach out for your own support if needed.

Creating a Safer Space at Home

If someone in your household is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, one of the most important things you can do is create a safer environment. Research shows that reducing access to lethal means can significantly lower the risk of suicide. Here are some steps you can take:

• Lock up or remove firearms: Firearms are one of the most lethal means of suicide. If you have guns in the home, securely store them in a locked safe, separate from ammunition. If possible, temporarily remove firearms from the home altogether. Many communities offer gun safekeeping programs through law enforcement.

  • If they will be visiting a friend or family member’s home, ask if there are guns. It’s not an easy question, but it’s important. You can do it. Not sure how? Check out Asking Saves Kids.

• Secure medications: Store prescription and over-the-counter medications in a locked cabinet or drawer. Pay special attention to medications that can be dangerous in high doses, such as painkillers, antidepressants, and sleeping pills.

• Limit access to alcohol and drugs: Substance use can increase impulsivity and lower the fear threshold. The interactions of other medications along with alcohol can increase risk. Limit access to alcohol or recreational drugs to help minimize risk.

• Remove potential tools for self-harm: Items like sharp objects, ropes, or belts can be harmful in a crisis. While it’s impossible to remove every possible risk, being mindful of easily accessible means can help make your home a safer place.

• Be there.

  • When they’re home, check on them often. Do this even if it seems like they’re doing fine. Encourage them to stay in public areas of the home - isolation allows for ruminating on negative thoughts. Being around others can help.

  • Tell them where you are at all times and how to reach you.

  • There must be a trusted adult around at all times.

    • This includes visits with family or friends.

    • This adult should monitor and support the use of the safety plan.

    • Tell this adult about all safety measures.

These precautions are not about making your home feel restrictive, but about prioritizing safety during a vulnerable time.

Resources for Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, there are many resources available. You are never alone, and there is always someone ready to listen.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24/7 support in the U.S.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis support.

For immediate danger, don’t hesitate to call emergency services.

Reducing Stigma and Building a Supportive Community

There are opportunities to learn more in every community and online.

Children’s Mercy offers Prepped and Ready both online and in person in Kansas City. I was fortunate to introduce Dr. Shayla Sullivant when she presented this program nearly 4 years ago at an ADHDKC parent meeting. She developed the program to help equip parents for the transition into parenting teenagers. It covers:

• Eating disorder prevention

• Home safety (including storage of firearms, medications, etc.)

• Self-care

• Substance use (including vaping)

• Suicide prevention

If you’re in the KC Metro, NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. It is a designated evidenced-based program. This means that research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to a person with a mental health condition. Everyone benefits from support when loved ones struggle.

This month’s ADHDKC Parent Meeting will be presented by Emily-Kircher Morris of the Neurodiversity Podcast. She will explore the complex intersection of ADHD, suicidality, and self-injurious behaviors in adolescents. She'll examine traits unique to ADHDers, like intense emotions and impulsive decision-making, and explore how they can interact with environmental factors to increase vulnerability in some youth. Parents will gain insights into how traditional interventions may need adaptation to better serve neurodivergent adolescents, strategies to support these young people, and ways to emphasize their strengths while addressing areas of concern. Parents will leave equipped with a deeper understanding and practical tools to assist their neurodivergent teens who may be experiencing challenges related to self-injury or suicidal ideation. The event is Sep 10, 2024, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST. It’s open to everyone and free!

Open the conversation

Talking openly about mental health and suicide reduces stigma and encourages those struggling to seek help sooner.

As a community, we can all play a role in creating a safe, compassionate space where people feel comfortable reaching out before their situation becomes a crisis.

Check in on your friends, family members, and colleagues, especially those who may be going through difficult life events or challenges.

Let’s continue the conversation, raise awareness, and show that it’s okay to not be okay.