Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among teenagers and young adults in the United States. However, suicide doesn’t end with the tragedy itself. The loss of those who die by suicide is felt by many others — families, friends, neighbors, schools and at times, entire communities.
Connectedness, though, can intervene and help a youth before they turn their suicidal ideation into self-harm and death by suicide, as Katrina’s story shows.
Growing up, Katrina witnessed domestic violence and verbal abuse in her home, and the trauma from it led her to suicidal ideation and self-harming. Just days before her 18th birthday, Katrina was removed from her biological home by the state. Alone and with no support, Katrina was referred to Youth Villages LifeSet who could help her.
Three years later, Katrina is thriving with no self-harm attempts and suicidal ideation in the past year. She attends a community college and has future goals of getting an apartment, working at a dog rescue and transferring to a four-year college to continue her studies.
Katrina was fortunate; she was connected to the help she needed. During September’s Suicide Prevention Month, there is a focus on how to get those with mental health needs connected — whether to resources, information, others or a combination of the three.
Everyone should know the access points to mental health treatment outside of crisis response services and situations. Suicide is preventable. Every state has services to support mental health needs, but there are gaps. That’s where organizations like Youth Villages meet the mental health needs of children and families where they are, whether in the home, school or community, like its intensive in-home services program, Intercept.
Additionally, connection to mental health support and resources can be reached with a call, text or chat via the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or state and local helplines. It is imperative that everyone uses their connections to raise awareness of what mental health and wellness looks like; what the early warning signs of when to seek help are; and how to get connected to the many resources that are available. Connectedness, especially around mental health, involves everyone.