Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth in Canada. In Saskatchewan youth suicide rates increased by 40% in 2017. When a person dies by suicide it affects families, schools and whole communities. While suicide is a complex issue, we all have a role to play in prevention. Here are just a few things adults can do, to have a big impact on the well-being of our youth:
TAKE CARE OF YOUR OWN MENTAL HEALTH: As any airline will tell you, you need to secure your own oxygen mask before you can help someone else. The same is true for mental health. Kids learn by watching so when they see adults their lives manage mental health in a healthy way (including self-care and reaching out for help when you need it) they learn those healthy coping skills too. And when they or someone they know is struggling, they'll already have an idea of what to do to help.
CONNECT: Mental health research suggests that youth who have healthy and supportive adult connections tend to have better learning, health and mental health outcomes than youth who do not. They're also more likely to reach out for help when they need it. Connecting with the youth in your life isn't always easy, but it can make a world of difference.
LEARN: Go online and learn about the warning signs of suicide. Learn about risk factors, and about demographic groups of youth who are more likely to experience suicide attempts and suicide. Download a helpful toolkit, and share it with colleagues, friends and other adults who are involved with youth. Watch a video workshop about suicide or sign up for a workshop in your community. Learn about resources available to youth and families in your community so you know what to do if you need to seek help.
TEACH: Talking about suicide can feel a bit awkward, but it doesn't cause suicide. In fact open conversations can help prevent suicide because chances are, your kid will experience or will know someone experiencing a mental health problem, including suicide risk at some point in their life. It's important they know what to do. As with any hard conversation, follow the lead of your teen - if suicide comes up, no matter how random the reference, take advantage of the opportunity to ask them questions, assess what they know and share age appropriate information with them. The important thing isn't to teach them everything in one sitting, it's to let them know that you care, will listen and want them to be safe.
RAISE AWARENESS: Use what you've learned! Petition your town or city to sign a declaration to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. Wear a yellow ribbon to raise awareness or participate in a vigil recognizing lives lost to suicide. Follow and share social media accounts like the We Matter Campaign, The Centre for Suicide Prevention, or Kids Help Phone that promote positive mental health and suicide prevention information. If you can, donate or volunteer.
REACH OUT: If you are worried about a child or youth in your life, reach out and ask them. Asking does not lead to suicide. You can't "plant" the idea of suicide by checking in. In fact asking may just be the connection point that leads them to help.
GET HELP: Suicide isn't something you have to face alone. If a death by suicide has affected your child personally, the Mental Health Commission of Canada has tips to help talk about suicide in a supportive and healthy way.
Youth and their families can find support by calling a crisis line, contacting a local mental health service provider or your child's school. If you or your child are in immediate crisis, call 911 or visit your local emergency room.
SECPSD recognizes that schools have a role in suicide prevention. To learn more about mental health promotion and suicide prevention in your area, contact your child's school.