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The rate of suicide among youths is a concern. Many factors can lead to a person taking their life, social pressure, academic issues, mental health, bullying online and off, family abuse and more. It is important to understand though that there are signs you can learn about and suicide prevention is possible. A part of that is knowing where to get help from. There are organizations like the SPTS that are a great place to get help and find resources. There is also the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. What happened to 1-800-273-TALK? 988 is the replacement number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline that ended TALK. 988 is easier to remember, similar in nature to 911 so people will be more likely to know who to call when they need to. It works as a phone line or you can send text messages and it is available all the time in the US. It can be accessed using Spanish and English, letting people in crisis connect to people who are trained to offer help. When should it be used and what do you get? You can use 988 if it is you in crisis or you can use it if you know someone who is talking about suicide or having mental health concerns. Anyone can use it and any time they need it. When you call you will see a suicide prevention resource with; ? Someone who listens and offers emotional support and understanding. There will be no judgment and it is a safe space where you can express any thought or emotion. ? Connecting with crisis counselors with training in a network that consists of more than 180 centers. ? An assessment to understand what your situation is and what risk there is so they can best determine a response and a course of action. ? Anything you say is kept confidential unless they fear there is immediate danger to the safety of others or yourself, and then they might get emergency services involved. ? The counselor will be able to offer you choices of resources and referrals in your area to help you focused on what you need such as suicide prevention. ? They will work with you on a plan for your safety and care including coping strategies and what next steps are possible. ? They will offer to follow up on your contact to ensure you get ongoing support and that you remain well. Help youths know about 988 988 is a powerful suicide prevention resource. But it only works when people know it is there. Make sure your children know the number and what it offers. While you want them to come to you, it is also important for them to know if they are overwhelmed they can call 988 anytime too. Open conversation is very important. Talking about feelings, getting help when you need it is a strength not a weakness. If they are in crisis stay with them until further help arrives. Listen to them without judgment. Remove ways they might hurt themselves from their surroundings. Teach them and encourage them to use coping skills.
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