We have more than 4,500 employees across 27 states providing mental and behavioral health services to children, families and young adults. Whether they’re connecting families to specialized health services, working with young people as they transition from foster care to adulthood, or helping families get through a crisis, our staff are committed to creating the conditions and relationships all children need for good health and well-being.

Our frontline staff are in our communities and in homes daily working alongside families on their journey to overcome obstacles. We created a survey to hear first hand from the experts about their experiences in the field.

This month is Suicide Prevention Month, and we wanted to open the discussion to raise awareness about treatment and resources, warning signs and reducing the stigma around suicide and mental health.

In your experience working with youth and families, what do you think are some of the most important factors in suicide prevention?

Connection: youth need to feel like someone in their lives hears them, sees their pain and wants them to be on this earth. It’s also important to help families see risk and the ways safety sweeps and lockboxes can slow down a crisis and leave space for important intervention to occur.

Licensed Program Expert | Massachusetts

In my time of working with youth and families, some important factors in suicide prevention have been ensuring the youth and family has good natural and professional supports, and ensuring the youth is heard and that their feelings are brought to surface and not buried.

Brittany Morgan, Clinical Supervisor | Massachusetts

Some of the most important factors for me in suicide prevention are knowing the warning signs, being an active listener to the person who is displaying the warning signs, being supportive and connecting the person to the right resources.

Brandi Wyleybonds | Teacher Counselor | Tennessee

I think one of the most important factors in suicide prevention is limiting access to lethal means.

Maria Appleberry | Licensed Program Expert | Tennessee

Parents being actively involved in their children’s lives and knowing what their children are engaging in.

Anonymous

Having a support system. Feeling loved and valued by friends and family, or even Youth Villages staff. Having people who care and listen regularly.

Briana Cramer | Family Intervention Specialist | Indiana

Being able to let the youth know they have a safe space to communicate their thoughts and feelings. Allowing the youth and family to have the opportunity to talk when they are ready, and when they are ready, ensure you are listening to understand not just listen to hear what they are saying.

Grace Howe | Program Manager | Tennessee

It’s really about connection and hope. Our families and youth have been through some really hard places and haven’t always been able to see how things can be better – shifting one small thing so they can see a ray of hope is sometimes all it takes.

Christy Schuster | Assistant Director for Clinical Services | Georgia

One’s personal lived experience with suicide exposure and bereavement affects how one practices self-care and promotes suicide prevention for self and others. Know yourself and seek to know others in a way that supports health and connection.

Michael Stempkovski | Clinical Services Director

What is one thing that you think everyone, especially those that don’t work in mental health, should know about suicide prevention?

There is data that supports the interventions for crisis prevention and response. Things like locking up potentially harmful items and consistent supervision may seem silly or pointless sometimes, but it saves lives. The likelihood of an actual suicide attempt reduces significantly when lethal means and opportunity are harder to access.

Clarissa | Intercept Clinical Supervisor | Oklahoma

I think it’s so important for everyone to know that suicide does not have a face, a profession, a personality or a past. Someone can put on a facade that appears to be happy and well and could be internally suffering from trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis.

Brittany Morgan | Clinical Supervisor | Massachusetts

Suicide prevention begins when you begin talking about suicide!

Foster Care Specialist | Tennessee

Suicide IS preventable!

Anonymous

When our communities are healthy and supportive, this is one of the best ways we can prevent suicide. Be kind to one another always. Do something every month to help the betterment of your community to increase joy and connection, whether that is volunteering, donating directly to someone in need or providing individualized interpersonal connection with a child/young person/family. Don’t be afraid to talk about suicide in your life.

One of the most crucial things everyone should know about suicide prevention is the importance of taking suicide beahavior warning signs seriously and responding immediately. Whether you’re a parent, friend or community member, recognizing and acting on these signs can make a significant difference. This means not dismissing or minimizing someone’s feelings, but instead, offering support, encouraging them to seek professional help, and being there for them consistently.

Madison Harp | Licensed Program Expert | Oregon

Here are some key points to consider:

Recognize the warning signs: These can include talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, withdrawing from friends and family, and exhibiting extreme mood swings. Other signs might be giving away prized possessions, increased use of alcohol or drugs, and reckless behavior.

Take immediate action: If someone shows these signs, it’s important to act quickly. This means not dismissing their feelings or assuming they are seeking attention. Instead, take their words and actions seriously.

Ask direct questions: Don’t be afraid to ask someone if they are thinking about suicide. This can be a difficult conversation, but asking directly can provide relief to the person and open the door for them to share their feelings.

Provide support: Let the person know you care and are there for them. Encourage them to seek professional help and offer to assist them in finding resources.

Involve professionals: If the risk seems imminent, contact emergency services or a mental health professional immediately. It’s better to overreact than to miss a critical opportunity to help.

Follow up: After the initial crisis, continue to check in with the person. Ongoing support can make a significant difference in their recovery and well-being.

Samantha Price | Specialized Crisis Services | Tennessee

It’s important to make sure you create a safe space for the youth or whoever is feeling suicidal. Not just the physical space but ensuring you are listening to understand what you can do to support them and help prevent any further thoughts and feelings they may have. And do not judge the person but remind them of how courageous they are for coming forward to you.

Grace Howe | Program Manager | Tennessee

Talking about suicidal ideations does not increase suicide risk but decreases risk.

Anonymous

Talk it out, it is SAFE to talk about suicide. There is no denying the actual and perceived stigma associated with talking about suicide, but multiple studies have shown that it is best to talk about how we are feeling with others to get connected to the help that we need and to support help-seeking in those that we care about and work with. We are all human, knowing our bias and the impacts of our own experiences with suicide guide how we respond in the moment when we are hurting or working with those in distress.

Michael Stempkovski | Clinical Services Director

How you can help

If you think your child may be at risk of a psychiatric emergency, you and your family are not alone. There are resources available to support families during crisis, and it’s important to also educate your children about these resources and risk factors.

866-791-9222: 24/7 Crisis Support operated by Youth Villages provides assessment and evaluation of children and youth, up to age 18, who are experiencing a psychiatric emergency across Tennessee.

988: National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, providing 24/7, free and confidential support.

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