National Suicide Prevention Month

Originally published September 11, 2025

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. No one wants to think they will be impacted by suicide, but suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States.[1]

Data shows adolescents who have divorced parents are more likely to attempt suicide than those whose parents stay married.[2] According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, adolescents, ages 12-17, in the United States experienced the following: 10.1% had serious thoughts of suicide, 4.6% made a suicide plan, and 2.7% attempted suicide.[3]

Given these statistics, having awareness of suicide risks and being educated on how to help someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts is essential.

I consulted my local network of therapists, counselors, and mental health experts to ask their advice on how to help a child or adolescent experiencing suicidal thoughts. According to these experts, here are the top 3 things you can do for a child who is actively experiencing suicidal thoughts:

1.     Validate the child’s thoughts, feelings, and situation.

2.     Get immediate mental and/or medical care for the child; including hospitalization, if needed, for safety and stability. You must get help quickly; do not delay.

3.  Therapy and education – simultaneously,

a.      Start Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for the child, and

b.     Seek education for the parents to understand the reasons for suicide and how to effectively manage and prevent ongoing concerns of suicide.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, immediate 24/7 help is available by calling 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or by visiting https://988lifeline.org. In Arizona, 988 counselors are trained to assist with substance use, divorce/relationship issues, mental health challenges, grief & loss, suicidal thoughts, abuse, and they can provide referrals to counseling, community services, and other resources.

For additional education, resources, and support, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at https://www.nami.org

Sources:

[1] CDC Data & Statistics Fatal Injury Report for 2023

[2] “The Influence of Parental Divorce and Alcohol Abuse on Adult Offspring Risk of Lifetime Suicide Attempt in the United States,” American Journal or Orthopsychiatry 2014, Vol. 84, No. 3, 316-320

[3] 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health published by the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration