Winora's Hope Counseling: Gurnee Mental Health Service

Talking about suicide is never easy but understanding it is crucial if we want to keep our children safe. As parents and caregivers, it’s natural to feel worried, overwhelmed, or unsure about how to help when a child is struggling. The good news is that with awareness, compassion, and the right support, we can make a real difference.

How Common Are Mental Health Struggles?

You might be surprised to learn that mental health challenges are more common than we think. About 1 in 5 children ages 3–17 have a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental condition, like anxiety or depression. Among high school students, 10–20% have seriously considered or attempted suicide in the past year. These numbers can feel alarming, but they also show that parents, teachers, and communities have a chance to intervene early—and potentially save lives.

The First Point of Help

Sometimes, a child’s crisis brings them to the emergency department. Hospitals and clinics can provide immediate care, and structured programs there have been shown to reduce risk and improve follow-up support. But support shouldn’t end at the hospital doors. Recovery and prevention are ongoing processes that require attention, care, and connection at home, at school, and in the community.

Recognizing Individual Signs

Each child experiences mental health challenges differently. Some may withdraw from friends, stop enjoying hobbies, or seem constantly sad or hopeless. Others might have changes in sleep, appetite, or school performance. These signs can be subtle, but paying attention to behavior changes—and trusting your instincts—can help you notice when your child may need extra support.

Overcoming Barriers to Care

Unfortunately, not all children have equal access to mental health care. Kids from lower-income families or marginalized communities may have fewer resources and less follow-up care, increasing the risk of repeated crises. Advocacy is essential: speaking up for accessible school counseling, local therapy options, and community support programs can help bridge these gaps.

Building Hope and Support at Home

Professional care is essential, but children also need a safe and supportive environment at home. Simple, consistent actions can make a huge difference:

• Listen without judgment: Let your child know that their feelings are valid.
• Encourage professional help: Therapists and counselors provide guidance that parents alone can’t.
• Stay connected daily: Even small gestures—like checking in at the dinner table—reinforce safety and trust.
• Celebrate progress: Recognize small steps and encourage healthy coping skills.
• Show consistent care and empathy: When children feel valued, they are more likely to reach out when they need help.

What to Do If You Notice Warning Signs

Changes in mood, social withdrawal, or talking about hopelessness or self-harm are serious signals. Acting early matters. Reach out to mental health professionals, maintain open lines of communication, and reassure your child that they are not alone. Building resilience and fostering hope helps children face challenges while reinforcing their sense of worth.

Final Thoughts

Youth suicide is complex, influenced by mental health, life experiences, and access to care. But with early awareness, compassionate guidance, and ongoing support, parents and caregivers can help children navigate difficult moments safely. Every child deserves to feel heard, valued, and supported—and your presence, care, and guidance can make all the difference.

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References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Children’s mental health: Data and research.https://www.cdc.gov/children-mental-health/data-research/index.html
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Youth suicidal thoughts and behaviors.https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/about-data/suicidal-thoughts-and-behavior.html
• Korczak, D. J., et al. (2020). A suicide prevention strategy for youth presenting to the emergency department with suicide-related behaviour: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry, 20(1), 20.
• Li, W., et al. (2024). Inter-relationships between suicidality and depressive symptoms among children and adolescents experiencing crisis: A network perspective. Journal of Affective Disorders, 354, 44–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.029
• Newton, A. S., et al. (2012). Emergency health care use and follow-up among sociodemographic groups of children who visit emergency departments for mental health crises. CMAJ, 184(12), E665–E674.