Reno, Nev. Sept. 25, 2023. The Washoe County Human Services Agency (HSA) recognizes September as National Suicide Prevention Month. In 2022, six children took their own lives, placing suicide as the most preventable leading cause of death among children in Washoe County.
HSA is raising awareness about the life and death issue by warning parents, children, and the overall community to not be silent about suicide, but rather “Talk About It.” Experts say the approach in previous years was to not discuss or even mention suicide, but this thinking has caused kids to get exposure to suicide from unhealthy sources, versus healthy ones.
As part of our campaign efforts to get the community to “Talk About It,” HSA is launching a suicide awareness billboard campaign. More than two dozen billboards will be prominently displayed by Lamar Advertising throughout the Truckee Meadows over the next several months to encourage Washoe County’s youth to begin sharing their feelings.
HSA is also producing a suicide prevention training video for first responders and community partners that serve Washoe County’s youth. The video will train people on how to handle the topic of suicide and help youth in our community understand its consequences.
Most suicidal thoughts are temporary, so HSA Caseworkers are encouraging parents to seek help in discussing suicide with their children. HSA is contacting teens and parents, distributing suicide prevention pamphlets, provided by the Nevada State Office of Suicide Prevention. HSA is also helping parents navigate the tough conversations about suicide with their kids.
“Adolescents brains are not fully developed and cannot process or grasp the seriousness of suicide,” said Washoe County Children’s Division Director Ryan Gustafson. “We want to focus our education on restriction of lethal means and encourage families to reach out for help if their children are experiencing suicidal ideation or thoughts.”
What Should Parents Do?
- Have open and empathetic conversations with kids regarding how they are feeling.
- Utilize resources, such as 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, texting “home” to 741741.
- Access services at the earliest indicator of mental health issues, substance abuse issues, or suicidal ideation in children.
- Monitor their child’s social media and internet usage for sites or bloggers that may encourage or glorify suicide.
Although suicide does not always offer glaring red flags, there can be warning signs. HSA encourages parents, relatives, and friends to reach out for help if you witness any of the following signs:
Warning Signs
- Threatening to kill him or herself.
- Talking or writing about death or suicide.
- Feeling trapped.
- No reason for living.
- Hopelessness.
- Withdrawal from family and friends.
- Dramatic mood changes.
Resources
Suicide Crisis Hotlines available.
Watch our new Washoe County Human Services Agency child suicide awareness video PSA.
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