September is Suicide Prevention month, a time to bring awareness to mental health and remind families that help is always available. According to NAMI, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among youth ages 10-14, and 3rd leading cause in young people ages 15-24. Contrary to the myth that talking about suicide puts the idea in someone’s head, open and vulnerable conversations can reduce risk by helping your child feel supported and less alone.
Starting a conversation with your child about mental health can feel challenging but can be a powerful tool to keep them safe and let them know it is okay to ask for help. Here are some simple ways to make starting the conversation a little easier:
Pick a calm moment:
Consider starting a conversation with your child when everyone feels relaxed, like during a walk, a car ride or before bedtime. Choosing a calm moment can allow your child to feel more at ease to share.
Listen:
Focus on what your child is sharing. Oftentimes we are quick to offer solutions, but it is important to allow your child to share without being interrupted or feeling judged.
Validate:
Phrases like “I hear what you are saying” or “it’s okay to feel sad or angry” can let kids know that it is normal to feel their emotions and feel safe to share more with you.
Remind them they are not alone:
Remind your child that you are always there to talk. Consider coming up with other safe support systems together like a counselor or a friend, that your child can seek help from if you are not available.
Pay Attention:
Pay attention to any changes that feel outside of the norm for your child. Changes in mood, behavior, sleep or even social interactions can be warning signs that your child needs more support.
Supporting youth mental health is an ongoing effort and not just a one-time conversation. Continue to check-in with your child and create a safe space for them to share. With open communication and the proper resources, we can help our youth feel heard, supported and never alone when faced with difficult times.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call the
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit our 24/7 Walk-In Crisis Center at 6509 S Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, CO 80120.
Our Walk-In Crisis Center is for individuals to safely de-escalate and receive clinical support for a mental health or substance use problem. Our licensed clinicians offer confidential, in-person support, information and referrals.
To learn more about the available services for you and your loved ones, visit us online at www.allhealthnetwork.org or call (303) 730-8858.
About AllHealth Network, Premiere Site Sponsor of Macaroni KID Englewood-Greenwood Village-Centennial
AllHealth Network is a trusted family of mental health and substance use providers. Our compassionate clinicians (counselors, therapists, social workers, psychiatrists, case managers, nurses) offer a consistent model of clinical excellence with a focus on individualized goals for growth and recovery. Whether this is one’s first call to seek services, a mental health emergency, or if someone has been a client with us for years, ALL of our providers are here to serve with an open heart and mind TOGETHER. AllHealth Network has over 250 clinical providers and more than 30 psychiatrists and nurse practitioners. Beyond our 12 physical locations, our teams provide services in schools, detention centers, community centers, and other community locations throughout Arapahoe County, Douglas County, and the greater Denver Metro region.
Macaroni KID Englewood-Greenwood Village-Centennial is thankful for AllHealth Network's generosity, which keeps our publication free for our readers.
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