I was recently talking about the suicide crisis and I was asked, "How can we make sure that we are supporting our own children/grandchildren and not missing something critical?" It's a really important question for all of us right now. Earlier this week, the Annie E. Casey Foundation released their Kids Count Report describing that:

"More than seven million children in the United States are struggling with anxiety, depression, and related mental health challenges in what amounts to a mental health crisis across race, ethnicity, economics, and sexual identity."

If you have a youth in your life, then you've probably seen this data first hand. The crisis that the Volunteer Center has been focused on since 2018, is unfortunately getting worse, but there is hope. We've learned from our Youth Suicide Prevention Taskforce that suicide is preventable. One of the biggest protective factors is making sure every youth has at least ONE adult that they can talk to and confide in. Someone who is genuinely interested in them and makes them feel loved and accepted.

I can't say it passionately enough: BE THE ONE! Watch and listen closely. Not just for your family, but for your youths' friends too. Be the one who can read their faces, notice their shoulder slump, their isolation, what they are doing on their screens, and any other subtle cues. Regularly talk to them, asking open-ended questions and then deeply listen with empathy without judgement or trying to jump to problem-solving. One of the conversation starters I like to use is, "What was your "best" and "worst" moments today?" Then start by sharing yours, and commit to showing vulnerability when you talk about your struggles. It might take several days or weeks before a youth opens up, but in the meantime, they are listening and you are building trust.

We all need to realize that a youth in our life may be thinking about suicide, and we all need to know what to say and do next. Please, quickly read this article on how to have a real conversation, published by the Association for Suicide Prevention. If you'd like to see the steps in action, and hear the tone we can all use, watch this video. Then, share this easy one-page guide from the state of Washington with your friends and family. If you have more time, I would highly encourage you to earn an easy, online Be There Certificate.

Our youth need us, and with just a little bit of education, we can save lives.

Wishing you continued kindness & empathy,