No one wants to get the call that their child is in the emergency room!

Results from a study in 2019 revealed that 18.8% of high school students seriously considered suicide, and 8.9% actually attempted suicide.

Many times, mental health emergencies can happen without warning. The most important thing you, as a parent, can do is remain calm and supportive.

What is a  mental health toolkit?

A mental health toolkit is a compilation of information to calm you down in a mental health crisis situation. It is designed to teach you how to ask important questions, what to do, and what to expect.

The mental health crisis toolkit is typically handed to you at the hospital.

The mental health toolkit also teaches you how to involve others in supporting your child and all other youth.

What should you include in your mental health crisis plan?

Having a plan is critical — it can be the difference between having control over your own or your child’s mental health and an emergency situation or even death. Along with your mental health crisis toolkit, having a written mental health crisis plan is vital.

The most important things to include in your mental health crisis plan are:

• Crisis triggers — identify and watch out for anything that may trigger your depression.
• Crisis manifestations — what behaviors, signs or symptoms do you experience while in a mental health crisis?
• Phone numbers and contact information for support from trusted individuals — have handy any contact information so that you can easily reach out for help and support
• Strategies to deal with the crisis — write down any ways you have found to pull yourself out of a mental health crisis. This information can help others when needed, as well as serve as reminders for yourself.

Suicide and mental health crisis are not issues reserved for the billions of other people in the world — it affects our children, ourselves, and our neighbors.

Suicide is preventable

With the help of counseling, a mental health crisis plan, the mental health crisis toolkit, and the support of others in the community, we can lower the risk of suicide and mental health emergencies in our own children, as well as those around us.

The task of reducing the suicide rates of all youth is very important for all of us to work on.

How can I help reduce suicide rates?

The best way you can help is to know the warning signs. These can include:

• Suicidal threats
• Suicide attempts
• Depression
• Obsession with death
• And making plans for their death

If you notice any warning signs, take immediate action!

Reach out to them. Help them get support.

If you or your child are in an emergency, there are several ways to get immediate help.

Always call 911 if the situation is lifethreatening! Other places to get support include:

• The National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line — text BRAVE to 741741
• The Crisis Text Line and National Suicide Prevention Hotline on Facebook page