Suicide awareness month happens each year in September to increase suicide awareness and prevention and to reduce the stigma of mental illness. What is suicide? Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S and can affect anyone no matter their age, background, or gender. While suicide is preventable, millions of men and women choose self-medicating instead of getting help which will only make their situation worse. For teens having thoughts of suicide, a Washington adolescent health treatment center gives them a safe space to talk about their feelings and learn to accept themselves for who they are.
At Imagine Seattle, we support teen boys and girls aged 12-17 who are struggling with suicide and depression. Our behavioral therapists have experience working with teens and helping them process troubling thoughts and feelings and dissuade harmful behaviors. They develop healthy coping skills to manage their symptoms and improve their communication skills in a safe and supervised environment. If your teen son or daughter is having suicidal thoughts, call 888.346.0473 today for more information about enrolling them in our Washington adolescent health treatment center.
What Causes Suicide?
What is a suicide, and what causes it? Suicide happens when a person takes their own life due to a mental illness, bullying, or the belief that suicide is the only solution to a stressful life situation. It can create feelings of hopelessness and despair to the point where they feel the only solution is to end their life.
There are a lot of factors that can cause suicidal thoughts. Genetics, family history, and peer pressure can all play a role in determining how susceptible someone is to suicide.
Some situations that can push teens toward suicide and depression include:
- Experiencing trauma or a stressful life event
- A death in the family or a close friend
- Turning to drugs and alcohol to cope with their feelings
- Family history of mental health disorders
- Gender/sexual identity confusion
At Imagine Seattle, our behavioral therapists are well aware of what causes suicide and the best forms of treatment that can save your teen’s life. During September, we participate in suicide awareness by helping teens and their families understand the dangers of depression and other mental health illnesses.
Show Your Support During Suicide Awareness Month
There are many ways that you can show your support throughout September during suicide awareness month. You can wear a purple and turquoise ribbon or t-shirt to show your support, and there are plenty of events and walks/runs to raise awareness. Suicide Awareness Week starts on September 4 and ends on September 10, which is Suicide Awareness Day.
If your teen son or daughter is suicidal, here are some ways that you can help them:
- Talk to them about their feelings and try to get them to engage. Depression causes a person to feel like they are alone, and no one can understand what they are going through.
- Listen to what they are saying. Don’t make assumptions about how they feel, as depression affects each person differently. Repeat back anything they say you don’t understand to give them a chance to think about what they said and restate their feelings.
- Enroll them in a suicide and depression treatment program. A treatment program includes behavioral therapy to address their thoughts and feelings along with medication to minimize their symptoms.
Imagine Seattle Provides Safe and Effective Suicide and Depression Treatment for Teens in Washington
At Imagine Seattle, we support teens who are struggling with depression and suicide through our outpatient treatment programs. We participate in suicide awareness month every year by giving teens and their families the support they need during this difficult time. Reach out to our caring staff today by calling 888.346.0473 to give your teen the skills and confidence they need to lead a healthy and happy life.