09/02/2026
💜 Child & Youth Su***de Awareness: We Have to Talk About It
September is Su***de Prevention Month, and one of the most important conversations we can have is about the mental health of our children and teens.
Su***de and suicidal thoughts can affect young people—even those who seem happy, successful, or “too young” to be struggling. Sometimes the signs are obvious. Other times, they can look like irritability, withdrawal, changes in behavior, declining school performance, giving away belongings, or suddenly seeming unusually calm after a period of distress.
We cannot always see the pain someone is carrying.
As parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches, and community members, we can make a difference by:
💜 Taking changes in behavior seriously
💜 Asking directly, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself or dying?”
💜 Listening without judgment or immediately trying to fix the problem
💜 Creating an environment where children know they can talk about difficult emotions
💜 Limiting access to fi****ms, medications, and other potentially lethal means
💜 Connecting children and families with professional support when needed
Asking a child about su***de does not put the idea in their head. It can open the door to a conversation they may desperately need to have.
If a child or teen tells you they are thinking about su***de, believe them, stay with them, and seek immediate professional help.
Most importantly, remind the young people in your life:
“You are not a burden. You are not alone. You don't have to figure this out by yourself. We will get through this together.”
💜 Connection can save lives. Conversations can save lives. Asking can save lives.
