September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and the statistics are staggering. Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death for children ages 10 to 14, and the third for older teens.
Depression, bullying, sextortion — you think — never my child. But what about suicide? Nearly 1 in 5 students in the U.S. say they’ve considered suicide in the past year.
And experts warn that suicide among kids ages 8 to 12 is rising by 8% annually.
Parents can be the key to saving their children, and the conversation starts small.
“Talk to them about what’s going on in their life. Listen to them,” said Flora Torra, a Licensed School Psychologist.
Sometimes, signs hide in plain sight, like dramatic mood swings, isolation, and sudden disconnection from friends.
“Notice if they’re isolating, if they’re not wanting to be around their friends,” explained Torra.
Watch for changes in sleep or eating, neglecting appearance, drug or alcohol use, lack of focus, and lesser-known red flags like a sudden calmness after distress.
“Notice if they start giving away things, some of their material things. We have to keep tabs on our teenagers a lot,” said Torra.
Even small actions can prevent tragedy — like securing medications or firearms.
“Over 50% of suicides in 2023 were by firearms,” explained Torra.
And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that children who get enough sleep or play sports are less likely to consider suicide. And strong family, school, or LGBTQ+ support can cut risk in half.
A new JAMA study found that youth addicted to social media or video games face twice the suicide risk. And research out of Denmark shows platforms like Instagram connect teens into self-harm networks with little content moderation.
Even tweens as young as nine are showing higher depression rates linked to daily screen time and cyberbullying.
If your child is struggling, help is just three numbers away: call or text 988. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and always open.
Resources
Here is a list of mental health resources available in Florida.
- UF Health St. Johns Behavioral Health Resource Center - open 24/7 with clinicians on staff and available to assist during a crisis. No appointment is needed.
- EPIC Behavioral Health Rapid Response Team – 24/7 service for individuals 26+, dial 988, and a response will occur within 60 minutes of the request.
- EPIC Access Support Center – Walk-in services for mental health at their North Campus, Northwest Campus, and Flagler Campus. If this service is needed, walk-in during hours or call (904) 495-7001.
- Mobile Response Team – 24/7 service for individuals 5-25 years old. Dial 988 or 911 and a response will occur within 60 minutes of the request.
- Vinson Foundation - A support group for St. Johns, Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach, and Orange Park, for families who lost someone to suicide.
- St. Augustine Youth Services: 904-829-1770
- Call 211 - Local experts are available 24/7 to help. Calls to 211 are confidential and can be anonymous.
- Hope for Healing Florida - Hope for Healing navigates the many ways Floridians can access help for mental health and substance abuse
These resources can be accessed nationwide.
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Call or text 988 for help. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you or someone you know.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides resources for issues with mental health, drugs, or alcohol.
- Veterans Crisis Line - Text 838255 or call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1
- Crisis Text Line - Text “Home” to 741741
- Teen Line - Text “Teen” to 839863