What if you could save a life just by telling someone, You are so incredibly loved?
For most young people who make a suicide attempt, the time between deciding and acting is less than 20 minutes. During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and every day of the year, reach out to someone you care about—it might make all the difference.
We get it—it’s not always easy to say those words. So, we invite you to download and share this message today.
“During Suicide Prevention Month, we focus on not just the epidemic of suicide, but also where the hope is,” says Joshua Stein, MD, a psychiatrist at PrairieCare. “Young people are focusing on their mental health and breaking through stigma in an amazing way. Let’s continue this trend moving forward.”
Parents, let your kids know they are so incredibly loved.
It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of the everyday routine and miss the chance to let your kids know that you’re there for them, no matter what. But even if they don’t let you see it, knowing they have your unconditional love matters more than anything.
PrairieCare therapist Michael Benjamin shared that if you notice your child or loved one is acting differently or feeling down, the best thing you can do is show compassion, empathy, and remind them that it’s ok not to be ok. “People think that mental illness is a weakness. But it’s ok you’re struggling, we can all struggle, and there is help out there.”
There’s a huge body of research showing that strong parent-child connection has a tremendous positive impact on young people. That vital bond improves their well-being; lowers their risk of substance use, depression, and suicidal thoughts; and enhances their ability to forge and maintain relationships outside the family. As a recent Gallup study stated, “The findings are clear. The most important factor in the mental health of adolescent children is the quality of the relationship with their caregivers.”
Here are some ways to strengthen communication with your child.
Young adults, let your friends know they are so incredibly loved.
We recognize that this generation is already pretty good at communicating. In the past few years, young adults have entirely shifted the paradigm around mental health in the United States, by talking openly about their emotions and their experiences. Their willingness to engage in these discussions has been the most significant factor in reducing stigma and weakening the power of old, harmful stereotypes, like the idea that being strong means hiding your feelings.
“The more we talk about it, the less stigma and the less people are going to be afraid,” said Michael Benjamin. “Because if we’re talking about it, it’s open, out there, and it’s going to be easier. So it’s ok to ask those questions directly.”
Here are some questions to ask your friends that help gauge their mental health “temperature” and start what might be a life-saving conversation.
Healing and school professionals, let’s support each other in this challenging and all-important work.
It may not always feel like it, but know that you are making an impact. You are changing lives with your caring, skill, and dedication. In many cases, you are saving lives.
Dr. Stein reflects on how often suicide can touch our own lives and those around us. “For that reason, this month, we check in with people. We check in with ourselves and our wellbeing. And we offer hope of any kind.”
Know that we’re here to support you—by building networks, providing continuing education, and creating spaces in which you can connect with your colleagues to find the inspiration and motivation that fuels you.
Learn more about how PrairieCare partners with mental healthcare providers, physicians, school professionals, and employers.
And last but not least, remind yourself: You are so incredibly loved.
We know sometimes it’s hard to believe, but trust us on this. Know you are valued, adored, and important. And know that you are enough, just as you are.