Key Takeaways from the Daybreak Family Class: Suicide Prevention & Awareness:

• Help to Break the Stigma by Using Sensitive Terminology: Using terminology like "died by suicide" rather than "committed suicide" helps to reduce the stigma and foster a compassionate understanding of mental health.
• Recognize the Risk Factors & Warning Signs: Common risk factors include untreated depression, trauma, substance use, and impulsivity. Key warning signs may involve withdrawal from activities, verbal statements about self-harm, and behavioral changes like isolation or erratic mood swings.
• Actionable Steps for Parents: Parents play an important role in prevention by recognizing the difference between passive and active suicidal ideation. Passive ideation involves general thoughts of not wanting to live or feeling that life isn’t worth it but lacks a specific plan. Active ideation, however, includes a concrete plan and requires immediate intervention. Understanding the differences helps parents respond appropriately.
• Leverage Daybreak Health to Help: Daybreak provides accessible, compassionate mental health support directly in schools and homes through teletherapy and one-on-one counseling services for families & teens, focusing on building resilience, coping mechanisms, and addressing critical mental health challenges early on.

The Complex Interplay of Mental Health and Suicide Risk

Suicide often results from a combination of mental health conditions, life stressors, and a lack of support. Moderator Juan Trevińo, LCSW at Daybreak Health, emphasized the importance of recognizing the "complex interplay between psychological, biological, social, and environmental factors." According to the CDC, approximately 44% of high school students report persistent sadness, and 22% have considered suicide. Trevińo underscores the importance of understanding these factors: "We're better equipped to have the conversation when we recognize these risk factors."

Common risk factors include untreated depression, anxiety, and traumatic experiences. For teens, trauma—such as abuse, violence, or significant loss—significantly raises the risk of suicide. Another key factor is substance use, which not only impairs judgment but also increases impulsivity. "Substance use like alcohol or drugs can elevate the risk because we're not thinking through actions," Trevińo explains. He adds that genetic predispositions also play a role, making those with a family history of mental illness more vulnerable.

Differentiating Between Passive and Active Ideation

A central aspect to understand is passive vs. active ideation, as it shapes how parents and caregivers should respond. Trevińo explained: "Passive ideation is when someone has thoughts about dying, like wishing they wouldn’t wake up, but without a specific plan." He clarified that passive ideation, though serious, is different from active ideation, which involves a concrete plan and requires immediate intervention.

The class explored how passive ideation could be a significant early warning sign, presenting as thoughts like, "I don't want to wake up tomorrow" or "It doesn't matter anyway." In contrast, active ideation involves specific plans for self-harm, making it critical to seek immediate professional support.

Recognizing Warning Signs and Behavioral Clues

Recognizing signs early is crucial in suicide prevention. Trevińo pointed out, "Warning signs are often specific behaviors or clues," like verbal statements about self-harm, sudden withdrawal from activities, and drastic changes in mood or health. Social media can be an indicator as well—posts or messages signaling distress are reasons for parents to engage in a meaningful conversation.

Several additional behavioral warning signs include:

• Increased substance use to self-medicate emotional pain.
• Isolation from friends and family.
• Erratic or reckless behaviors, often indicating distress or feelings of hopelessness.

For instance, teens withdrawing from activities they once loved, or those suddenly calling loved ones to "say goodbye," should be taken seriously. "If a teen verbalizes statements like 'I can't do this anymore,' it’s a cry for help," Trevińo emphasized. Recognizing these verbal and behavioral cues allows for timely intervention, which may save a life.

Building Resilience and Coping Mechanisms for Teens

A key protective factor is helping teens develop healthy coping mechanisms. The clinician highlighted alternatives to self-harm, such as journaling, listening to music, exercise, and time with pets as ways to manage overwhelming emotions. These activities provide teens with outlets to process their emotions safely and constructively.

For many teens, finding personal coping tools is essential for self-expression. Journaling can help teens sort through their thoughts, while music can serve as an emotional outlet. Trevińo explained, "Writing down thoughts allows self-expression without judgment," giving teens a safe space to articulate their feelings. The panel also emphasized physical outlets like exercise, which releases endorphins and improves mood. "Taking a walk outdoors or spending time with a pet can provide emotional relief," Trevińo shared.

Practical Steps Parents Can Take in Suicide Prevention

Parental support is a cornerstone in the fight against teen suicide. The class detailed actionable steps, including open communication, empathetic listening, and ensuring a safe environment. As Trevińo expressed, "It's about creating that space where they feel comfortable sharing—where they know their feelings are met with empathy, not judgment."

Parents can also take proactive steps to minimize environmental risks, like locking up medications and securing firearms. Recognizing that teenage brains are naturally impulsive, parents are encouraged to limit access to potentially harmful items in the home.

Fostering Resilience and a Growth Mindset

Resilience-building practices help teens cultivate a growth mindset, enabling them to face challenges with optimism. TrevińoTrevino explained that problem-solving skills and positive reinforcement encourage teens to see obstacles as opportunities for growth. “It’s about instilling a mindset that says, ‘I can get through this.’”‍

This class encourages parents to foster this mindset by reinforcing gratitude and identifying small "wins" in daily life. Acknowledging accomplishments, no matter how small, can help teens see their lives in a positive light and increase resilience against life's challenges.

Daybreak Health: Providing Accessible Mental Health Support

Recognizing the current shortage of mental health providers, especially in rural areas, Daybreak Health offers teletherapy and one-on-one counseling directly to students and families. Trevińo explained that Daybreak’s services aim to bridge the gap by providing evidence-based support, guidance, flexibility to students and families. Through partnerships with school districts, Daybreak makes mental health support easily accessible to students and families. If your child needs mental health support, refer them for Daybreak’s services here. 

For teens grappling with suicidal thoughts, professional intervention can make a life-saving difference. Daybreak’s approach combines risk assessments, counseling, and safety plans—ensuring families receive the comprehensive support they need.