Important information for ALL PARENTS.

Parents, listen up. I observed community conversation/panel discussion/training on youth suicide awareness and prevention. If you have young children, do not stop reading. One of the panelist was a young adult who was severely depressed and almost ended her life as a teen. She also had friends who struggled with depression. When asked about telling an adult/getting help she said "IT NEVER OCCURRED TO ME" to tell an adult. I came home to talk to my teenager-I asked him what he'd do if a friend was talking about hurting themselves or wanting to die. He had lots of good ideas about what he would do to help. IT NEVER OCCURRED TO HIM TO TELL AN ADULT. So we have had a conversation about how this is TOO BIG of a problem for kids to deal with on their own. Even if the friend doesn't want you to tell anyone. You MUST tell a trusted adult. A teacher, a pastor, a parent, a friend's parent, a coach. It is LIFE OR DEATH. Please have this conversation in an age appropriate way with your kids. They do know someone who is struggling, based on the statistics. Other take aways include: 1-the age group (among youth) with the highest risk factors of being suicidal is nine to fourteen years old. 9-14. yes, 9. 2-teens tell their friends an average of FOUR times that they are suicidal/thinking of harming themselves. FOUR times. 3-two of the other panelists were parents that had lost a child to suicide. Ack, the agony. I can't even imagine. They are activists now because of the tragedy of teen suicide. Resources: Idaho Lives Project Suicide Prevention Life Line American Foundation for Suicide Prevention