Supporting our Youth

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness month this September, we feel it is important to share helpful information and interventions to support youth who may be experiencing thoughts about suicide. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals ages 10 to 24. The Vermont Department of Health’s Youth Risk Survey reports that 15% of youth in Bennington County plan on how they would attempt suicide. As the rates of suicide among young people continue to rise, this month provides an important opportunity to educate the public, share resources, and encourage conversations that can save lives.

Some notable signs that a youth may be having suicidal thoughts are:

1. Changes in behavior: Withdrawal, irritability, or mood swings

2. Increased risk-taking: Engaging in reckless activities or substance use

3. Emotional distress: Expressing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or anxiety

4. Social withdrawal: Avoiding friends, family, or activities

5. Changes in sleep or appetite

6. Decline in academic performance

7. Preoccupation with death or suicide

8. Giving away prized possessions

9. Saying goodbye to loved ones

10. Increased use of social media to search for information about suicide

Adult caregivers/parents or peers may hear the teen saying, “I don’t want to live anymore”, or “I wish I could just disappear.” There are also nonverbal cues to watch for, such as writing or drawing about death or suicide, increased use of social media to express sadness or hopelessness, or displaying suicidal ideation through art or music.

As caregivers, friends, and community members, we can help if we notice these troubling changes. One way to help is to have a direct but non-confrontational conversation with the youth. It’s okay to be direct alongside being supportive. Oftentimes, starting the conversation is the scariest part, while actually having the conversation, while emotional, can bring much needed relief. It’s also important to distinguish between the intention to hurt oneself versus contemplating suicide. Both are serious issues that will require support, but self-harm is often utilized as a coping tool, while thinking of ending one’s life is very different. Being able to really hear someone in their pain is an important first step. If you suspect a youth is experiencing suicidal thoughts, listen without judgment, offer support, and seek professional help immediately.

With awareness, compassion, and action, we can support youth in getting the help they need. 

If a friend, acquaintance, and/or loved one is struggling, there are many resources to support them as well. United Counseling Service (UCS) can provide immediate emergency services to individuals in crisis throughout Bennington County by calling (802) 442-5491. UCS also offers Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training for anyone in the community who would like to become better educated about mental health issues and how to respond to a mental health emergency. Simply text or call 988 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (TALK) or the Crisis Text Line (text 74174) which are available 24 hours a day. These resources can provide free and confidential support for people in distress and help connect them to prevention and crisis resources.

United Counseling Service (UCS) is a private, non-profit community mental health center that has been an essential part of Bennington County’s integrated healthcare system since 1958. The organization has been designated as a Center of Excellence by Vermont Care Partners. UCS promotes healthy lifestyles through all its programs and offers care at 17 different facilities, including two primary outpatient facilities in Bennington and Manchester. UCS provides outpatient counseling and addiction services, emergency mental health services, extensive rehabilitation services, home and school-based services, employment services for people recovering from mental illness or with developmental disabilities, and early childhood services.  For more information visit ucsvt.org.

Ryan Lane is the Director of Children, Youth and Family Services at United Counseling Service.

Go to link: UCS Suicide Prevention Throughout the Lifespan