The month of September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness month.
Canopy Children’s Solutions Senior Director of Solutions, Christian Ware, spoke with Parent and Kids magazine about suicide prevention amongst youth and how parents can help their children navigate this complex issue with their peers. Click below to watch the live stream.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that youth are more likely to show warning signs than older adults who are considering suicide. However, knowing those signs can be pivotal in connecting someone with the help they need. Warning signs of suicide include:
- withdrawal from friends and family
- trouble in romantic/personal relationships
- slump in academic/professional performance
- giving away possessions
- writing or drawing pictures about death
- changes in eating habits/weight gain or loss
- dramatic personality changes/signs of despair
- deterioration of personal hygiene
- problems sleeping
- participation in risky behavior (drugs, alcohol, sex, self-harm)
- talk of suicide, even in a joking way
- have a plan of how they would kill him/herself
- have a history of suicidal attempts
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is always available. If you feel the person is in immediate danger, do not leave them alone and call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room. You can also contact the 24-hour Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free confidential support and crisis resources 1-800-273-8255.