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Mental Health Resources

On Our Sleeves. The Movement for Children's Mental Health.

Can you separate myths from facts about suicide?

It’s National Suicide Prevention Week, and while this topic is tough, there are things that you can do to decrease the risk for the children in your life.

According to a number of studies, talking with children and teens about suicide in a nonjudgmental, open way is NOT harmful and will not make them consider something that they hadn’t thought of before. For a child who may be struggling with thoughts of not wanting to be alive, it can be a relief to be asked about it and know there’s a safe person for them to talk to. And for a child who has no thoughts of self-harm, bringing it up can let them know that you’re someone they can talk to about tough things.

It might be uncomfortable at first, but you could be taking the first step in helping your child get the care that they need.

Talking to Kids About Suicide >

Still not sure what to say or how? Check out these video resources:

Talking to Children Under 12 About Suicide
Talking to Teens About Suicide
 

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, go to the nearest emergency room or call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741-741.