World Mental Health Day

Today is World Mental Health Day. The @who has made suicide prevention a priority for a few years and this is the theme of this years #WorldMentalHealthDay . We all need to do our part to help prevent suicide in our families and communities.⁣ I know this topic is hard to think about and talk about- but it is important💗
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Did you know that suicide is the second cause of death for people 10-24 years old? Here are the risk factors to look out for...⁣
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*Bullying⁣
*Easy access to firearms⁣
*Local epidemics of suicide⁣
*Behavior problems⁣
*Alcohol and other substance abuse⁣
*Psychiatric disorders⁣
*Depression⁣
*Sexual orientation ⁣
*Family history⁣
*Previous suicide attempts⁣
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Here’s some ways you can help your kids if you fear the worst:⁣
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*Dont let their depression or anxiety get worse- be proactive about getting medical help⁣
*Listen to them- even if they won’t talk⁣
*Never diminish threats of suicide as drama- if you hear kids say- ⁣
* "I wonder how many people would come to my funeral?"⁣
* "Sometimes I wish I could just go to sleep and never wake up."⁣
* "Everyone would be better off without me."⁣
* "You won't have to worry about me much longer."⁣
* “Nothing matters.”⁣
Be willing to listen nonjudgmentally to what he or she is really saying, "You must really, really be hurting inside." ⁣
*Share your feelings⁣
*Seek professional help⁣
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*Source- American Academy of Pediatrics, World Health Organization, World Federation for Mental Health⁣
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If you need help or know someone that needs help call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255