Centre for Suicide Prevention

You can help prevent suicide in a young person you know by guiding them in identifying their strengths and demonstrating attitudes and messages of optimism, strength, and overcoming difficulties. https://lnkd.in/dHA4seq4

Signs that indicate a young person may be considering suicide include: withdrawal from activities they normally enjoy, change in sleep pattern, or recent increases in anger, agitation or irritability. https://lnkd.in/dHA4seq4

Chryss lost her brother Mark, 15, to suicide in 1981 when she was 12. Mark died while he was in high school, and when Chryss’ daughter started going to the same high school, she found herself grieving her brother. “I didn’t expect it,” Chryss says. “I saw her go through those doors, and I just couldn’t leave. My grief was patient. It just waited for me to grow up.” https://lnkd.in/gXDmkdSh

Good self-esteem and strong, supportive relationships contribute to resilience in young people. https://lnkd.in/dHA4seq4

A positive family connection and school environment are just two factors of many that reduce risk of suicide for youth. https://lnkd.in/dHA4seq4

Last week we acknowledged Transgender Day of Remembrance, to remember trans people lost to violence and suicide. This article remembers trans people who have passed within the last year in the US, including Tahiry Broom, Karmin Wells, Lia Smith, Amyri Dior, Kelsey Elem, Sam Nordquist, Laura Schueler, and Dream Johnson. Lia Smith died by suicide. Lia’s dad, Greg Smith, said, “Over time, I believe the relentless negativity exhausted her. She was perfect for us in every way. We cherished her, and others did, too.” https://lnkd.in/e5R86HzM

Thank you to Amanda Reber Art, who raised $1625 for CMHA Alberta and Centre for Suicide Prevention through her Sunflowers for Strength silent art auction in honour of a loved one who lost their battle with mental health. Her featured piece, Sunflower Hill, symbolizes hope and resilience, reflecting her own journey of healing. Amanda hopes to host future auctions with other local artists to continue raising awareness and support for suicide prevention and mental health.

Youth may have difficulty being able to see past the difficulties of today and into the future. They may feel trapped and need support to help them see hope for the future. https://lnkd.in/dHA4seq4

“These are kids that are experiencing all sorts of heightened risk. We’re aware of the need for tailored approaches. We’re doing this research. We’re trying to get the word out. And [suicidality] is something that is treatable. This is something that responds to intervention," says Danielle Roubinov, an associate professor and director of the Child and Adolescent Anxiety and Mood Disorders Program at University of North Carolina. https://lnkd.in/gwGntiPu

Internal stressors, like overwhelming emotional pain, feelings of hopelessness, mental illness, trauma, impulsivity, or dealing with rejection due to their gender identity or sexual orientation can put youth at risk of suicide. https://lnkd.in/dHA4seq4