Journal Riders Blog

 About 250 students, teachers, social workers and administrators from 28 high schools throughout Nassau County focused on issues such as mental health, building self-esteem and positive coping skills during Long Island's first Youth Wellness Summit on Tuesday. The daylong event in Merrick was organized by 20-year-old Adelphi University student Stacy Brief of Bellmore, a Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide ( https://sptsusa.org ) volunteer who struggled with emotional issues and thoughts of suicide when she was a teen. She has volunteered with the organization for more than five years.  

 Suicide is not a topic people like to talk about, and yet it is not just a growing problem in the US, it is a global problem. Talking about it, investing in things like suicide prevention resources and educating people could make a huge impact and reduce the number of teens who attempt suicide each year. Over the last 50 years, more and more teens are at risk. Some of it is due to certain pressures, some due to bullying, some because of mental health and more. Here is a look at the severity of the problem and what can be done to help. WHO stats on suicide 77% of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries More than 700 000 people die due to suicide every year For every suicide, there are many more people who attempt suicide. A prior suicide attempt is the single most important risk factor for suicide in the general population Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-19 year-olds Suicide attempts are up to 20 times more frequent than completed suic...

 If you are concerned about someone you know that they are potentially suicidal, or they have expressed such things and asked you to promise to keep it a secret you should never agree to that. It is better for them to be angry for a time that you sought help and told others your concerns, but then they are still alive. Always be compassionate and respectful towards anyone who talks about such things and consider connecting with a suicide prevention charity that might be able to help. Having support is the best way to have success and prevent the worse from happening. What to ask and say when someone talks to you about suicide When someone is having suicidal thoughts it can be a great relief to have someone who just listens to them. Sometimes that is enough of an ‘intervention’ so that they do not follow through with it. Suicide prevention training is a good way to learn what you can do to stop it but for some questions you can ask them when they talk look below. Remember to stay ...