STOP THE SILENCE - Stop Teen Suicide!

You might already know that suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24. You might even know that one in five U.S. teenagers seriously considers suicide annually. But these statistics are just that – statistics. Until they’re not anymore. Today, teen suicide isn’t just the subject of TV shows and newscasts. Today, it’s happening in our own backyard.
 
In the last two weeks, two teens completed suicide in South Orange County. Today, two families are left with inexplicable heartbreak, while friends, peers and communities are left reeling and wondering, “what can we do?”
 
As a community, we can write trite condolences on social media to their friends and family – or we can actually do something to prevent this from happening in the future. With so many teens considering suicide each year, it’s impossible to think this could never happen to your child. That’s because mental illness, bullying and depression can happen to anyone – and they’re major players in suicide ideation. In fact, mental illness is the leading cause of suicide, and it’s also where we can make the biggest difference – that is, if we take action.
 
The teen suicide epidemic requires just that – action. Proactive education is the only way we can save today’s youth. Fortunately, suicide prevention education is now mandatory in all California schools, thanks to the bill AB2246 passed in late 2016. But unfortunately, there is still no date on which schools are required to meet this mandate. While schools drag their feet, students in need of understanding, education or even just a listening ear are continuing to feel hopeless and alone. Our teens need our help now.
 
Teens need to know they matter. They need to understand what mental illness is and how it can be treated. Above all, they need to know they’re not alone and that there is help .They need to know there is hope.
 
Again, they need our help now.
 
I wrote my book, “R U OK?  Teen Depression and Suicide” in order to provide a complete toolkit for teens on mental illness, suicide and everything else they face on a daily basis. The book includes warning signs and risk factors of depression and suicide, tips on identifying high-risk groups for suicide, and various stories of teens struggling with bullying, self-harm, substance abuse, gender confusion, anxiety, depression and PTSD. Above all, the book shows teens how to cope with these challenges – what to do, where to go, how to recognize them and, above all, shows them that there is help and hope out there.

Recently, a local parent purchased 100,000 copies of my book to donate to schools and organizations working with teens across the nation. Now, I’m working to get this important toolkit into the hands of teens who need it most. 

SIGN YOUR SCHOOL UP TO RECEIVE FREE COPIES
 
I need your help to give our teens the opportunity for the future they deserve. Help me to save a life, whether it’s yours, your child’s or that of someone you love. Please visit thegriefgirl.com to find out how to order books (free!) for your school or youth group.
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Thank you,
 
Kristi Hugstad | The Grief Girl