Suicide Prevention Strategies
Suicide is a serious issue and its impact can be felt strongly on communities, families and individuals for a long time. It is preventable in a lot of people though but it takes everyone learning, communicating and having better access to professional help when needed. Places like the SPTS are doing what they can to help prevent teen suicide. Here is a look at some strategies that need to be used and resources teens can turn to if they need to.
Preventing suicide
With the latest evidence and access to the best resources here are some strategies to adopt as a country that will prevent suicide.
- Making sure people have strong economic supports which includes stabilizing housing and improving financial security for each household.
- Improving the access people have for suicide care which includes having fast and remote options for help, having mental health covered with insurance, improving provider availability and having safer and improved suicide care.
- Creating environments that are protective which includes better policies and culture, removing access teens have to kill themselves and control of substance abuse.
- The Society for Prevention of Teen Suicide and other experts also encourages healthier connections with peers and with the community as a whole.
- Teachteens problem-solving skills and coping skills within things like learning programs, education programs and teaching parenting skills.
- Recognize and support those who are more at risk by responding to crises, offering access to therapy, training gatekeepers and following up after an attempt has been made.
- Reduce the harm done and lower the risk of a future attempt with intervention after an attempt and give access to prevention resources such as the SPTS.
Resources for teens
Just an example of some of the resources out there for teens and their parents.
The Society for Prevention of Teen Suicide
There is help here for both parents and teens and it is a nonprofit organization that offers information, training programs and other resources for educational leaders, parents and teens. With increased awareness and by removing or at least lessening the stigma there is with suicide it hopes to save lives. You can find out what the warning signs are, whether your teen has a higher risk, and even talk to other teens and parents.
Suicide Prevention Resources Center
Sadly the only federally supported center devoted to creating a National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. Resources and help can be found on their website.
Suicide prevention lifeline – youth resources
There is a helpline you can call and connect with a trained counselor. 800.273.TALK (8255). You can call at any time and at any day of the week. There are also resources on their website and ideas for where you can get further support and there are also stories of recovery to offer hope.
Trevor Project
Specifically created for people in the LGBT community or those that are questioning. There are different services they offer and different programs. They are also involved in important research and offer resources and training.
