Rising Together: Supporting Youth Mental Health During National Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is the leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24. Youth mental health is important and often underestimated. Adolescence is a pivotal time where biological, psychological, and social changes occur, often simultaneously. It is important for us to recognize that youth need our help and support. We must be the approachable and askable adults they can turn to when they need a listening ear.

All Together Rising (ATR) is a wonderful tool and opportunity to highlight mental health within a youth group setting. The collection of ten sessions provided within ATR is meant to supplement any OCF activity guide. Session topics include Teen Suicide Prevention, Community Violence (Parts 1 & 2), Dealing with Loss & Grief, Food Insecurity, Homelessness & Housing Insecurity, Labor Trafficking, Sex Trafficking, and Teen Depression (Parts 1 & 2). These session topics serve as an at-the-ready resource for a more trauma-responsive session (or two) on a particular topic. For example, addressing a circle group with the Teen Suicide Prevention ATR session may highlight and affirm any individual traumatic experiences or disparities within the group. It also provides an opportunity for the facilitator to be a resource and offer areas of support for youth. We must do more than raise awareness- we as adults need to show our understanding and support through actions. Only then will youth see our authenticity and regard us as trusted adults they can turn to when they are experiencing dark moments in their lives.

Learn more about how you can educate yourself and others:

All Together Rising (One Circle Foundation)

https://onecirclefoundation.org/all-together-rising.html

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/youth/

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-month/

International Association for Suicide Prevention

https://www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts/