Three Steps Parents Can Take During Suicide Prevention Month
In today's challenging world, many children and teens face unprecedented stressors. These can sometimes lead to deteriorating mental health and thoughts of suicide. While it's an uncomfortable subject, parents need to be proactive in discussing mental health with their children.
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Boys Town offers three helpful tools parents can give their kids to help prevent suicide:
1. Open Communication: Don't be afraid to talk about suicide and suicidal thoughts. Teach your child to reach out when struggling, just like a pilot making a mayday call. Use Your Life Your Voice's resource, How to Make a Mayday Call
2. Access to Crisis Help: Add the Boys Town National Hotline number to your child's phone contacts. Visit this page on their mobile device and click "SAVE THE NUMBER". Ensure they know it's available 24/7, all year round.
3. YourLifeYourVoice App: Download this free app from the Boys Town National Hotline. It allows children and teens to track their mood daily, get tips for difficult days, and prompts them to reach out when their mood trends downward.
We encourage you to have this important discussion with your children and provide them with these tools. Although it might be uncomfortable, it's a crucial step in suicide prevention. Let's work together to support our youth's mental health and well-being.
