With mental health disorders affecting one in seven 10-19 year-olds globally, according to World Health Organization statistics, it’s no exaggeration that at this very moment, each of us knows more than one person who is struggling. As a mental health awareness group, we reached out to two mental health advocates from The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to keep the conversation going on how to support our friends and family who may be suffering

To do this, we reached out to Marissa Vargas, the Special Events Manager from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, or AFSP, along with Elizabeth Clemens, the organization’s executive director here in New Jersey. Together, they painted a sobering picture of mental health struggles in New Jersey. But as you will also see, they also gave us hope that we can create a positive impact on mental health by increasing awareness, normalizing conversations around personal struggles, and understanding that powerful resources are available to us all.

Can you describe why The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention was started and what it aims to accomplish?

SIGNUPSCRIPT

Vargas:

In 1987, a small group of caring individuals had a vision: to establish a private source of support for suicide research and education, so that essential suicide prevention effortscould be sustained into the future. These founding families—each of whom had lost someone to suicide—joined with scientists to create what today is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, or AFSP.

Many of our original founders were concerned about an alarming rise in youth suicide over the previous four decades. During this period, the suicide of young men had tripled, while for young women it had doubled. Suicide is currently the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 24. The highest overall rates of suicide are for adults age 40 to 59.

Before AFSP, there was no national-scope not-for-profit organization dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy.

Have you noticed an increase in mental health issues among teenagers since the pandemic?

Vargas:

Yes. According to new data from the CDC, the suicide rate among young people aged 15 to 24 rose 8% in 2021—an increase of 345 lives lost, and the highest increase among any age group.

Take a look at our Seize the Awkward Campaign that encourages young adults to talk about mental health.

Clemens:

Yes, the conversation has increased. We’re just starting now to get actual numbers in as the CDC released the 2021 suicide data. While we are of course saddened by the deaths, public education and advocacy efforts are making a difference. There have been changes in society that are destigmatizing suicide.

How might a teenager’s experience with mental health issues differ from that of an adult?

You can take a look at our website for warning signs, protective factors, and risk factors in teens.

Link- https://afsp.org/risk-factors-protective-factors-and-warning-signs

What have you found to be the most effective way to spread awareness about suicide prevention?

Vargas:

There are many ways to spread awareness about suicide prevention! First and foremost is educating yourself about the warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors for someone who might be struggling. We can all try to eliminate the stigma surrounding talking about your mental health! Break down those barriers and know that it is okay to ask for help. Encourage others to know the resources available to them in their communities in case themselves or their loved ones are in crisis.

If a middle or high school student asked you what they could do to promote mental health awareness, what would you tell them?

Vargas:

Students can promote mental health awareness by talking about it and supporting one another! They can also host a mental health fair with resources for students to take advantage of or they can volunteer at an event. They can also volunteer or host a walk within their school or community to raise funds for organizations such as AFSP.

What resources would you recommend students utilize in their school?

Vargas:

There are great resources within schools that can help students who are struggling. Students can reach out to a trusted adult such as a teacher or coach, but they can also visit the counseling office to speak to a counselor about their mental health.

Clemens:

There are so many. It depends on the school and what they’re willing to provide. AFSP and the Jed Foundation have a partnership campaign called Seize The Awkward. This campaign guides people in having conversations with friends that can be awkward. The website is dedicated to conversation starters for teens. AFSP has great school-based programs that come into schools that are free. Schools need to be open to conversations about that. Kids are so thankful for the programs. It is important to be educated on how to safely talk about suicide.

For students continuing their studies at a remote college or university next year, what advice would you give them regarding mental health support?

Vargas:

You don’t have to do this on your own. Students can talk to a friend, trusted adult, or visit the campus counseling services.

Clemens:

Students should educate themselves on what resources their college already has on hand. Research is important. Ask yourself these questions: Where is the counseling center? Do they have an Active Minds group? What can my insurance provide? Who are the local therapists?

It’s important to build a personal support network, especially if you’re going to college away from home. Make sure you're finding things that make you happy or clubs or organizations you’re interested in. Build your self-care box. Do this ahead of time so that if you find you’re already trying to struggle you have that to fall back on.

What’s something that everyday teens can do to become a part of the solution?

Vargas:

AFSP encourages everyone to engage in an open, honest dialogue with their friends and loved ones, to demonstrate compassion and kindness, and to practice self-care by exercising, meditating, and consuming the news in measured doses. And reach out to those who may be isolated and need the extra support. These actions can save lives and positively change our collective culture surrounding mental health for the long-term. We hope these tools help you to spread positive messages of hope, compassion, mental health care and suicide prevention.

Clemens:

I would encourage them to get involved with either AFSP or any nonprofits focused on this. Many high schools have youth mental health clubs or organizations.

If a teen has a friend who is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, what should they do, and what should they NOT do?

Vargas:

If you’re worried about a friend, the first step is reaching out. If you're concerned about your own mental health, the same is true. It’s okay if the words aren’t perfect. Reaching out to have a real conversation about mental health is a great way to take care of your own mental health and support friends who you might be concerned about. Often, it’s the first step on a path toward getting your health back on track. Here are some examples of how to start a conversation. You could say: “hey we haven’t talked in a while. How are you?” or “seems like something’s up. Do you wanna talk about what’s going on?”

If you’re still feeling shy or unsure of what to say, lean in on your friendship and use that connection to give you the confidence to start a conversation. If you aren’t close with the person, but still notice they are acting out of the norm or exhibiting warning signs, tell someone like a teacher, counselor, or another trusted adult.

When starting the conversation keep these tips in mind:

• Listen without judgment and ask, “How can I help?”

• Avoid giving ultimatums. For example, don’t say, “If you don’t stop hurting yourself, I won’t be friends with you anymore.”

• Listen with the intention to understand, not to fix. Don’t get frustrated if your friend doesn’t have the same perspective as you about the situation.

• Don’t shame, blame, or guilt your friend for their feelings or actions. Avoid accusing statements with “you”– instead use “I.” For example, don’t say, “You are being irresponsible and reckless.” Instead, say, “I’m concerned that you might hurt yourself, and that makes me worry, since I care about you.”

Keep in touch, even if you don’t get a response. Avoid pressuring them to speak. Let them know you care, that you want to hear from them, and that they are not a burden. It may take more than one conversation, but your willingness to continue talking, listening, and simply being present helps more than you might know. Even just checking in to see how they’re doing can be one of the best ways to help someone struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. Beyond that, reinforce any momentum – no matter how small – that your friend makes towards getting help. From the smallest step to a giant leap, all efforts should be affirmed. Saying something like, “I think it’s great that you spoke to someone,” can make a huge difference.

And if you want to do even more, here are some suggestions:

Don’t give up - Maybe the first attempt at having a conversation didn’t go so well, or maybe they just weren’t ready to talk. Show your friend that you’re there for them. Stay available, and keep checking in.

Keep invitations going - Even if they don’t initially accept, it’s important to remind them you’re there for them to talk when they’re ready.

Handle their trust with care - You may be the only person they talk to about this. Show you care and avoid gossiping about them or turning people against them.

Get outside help from trusted adults - You don’t have to do this on your own. And if there is any concern about safety, reach out for help from a parent, teacher, counselor or any trusted adult in your life.

Clemens:

Check out these resources:

Seize the Awkward

The Trevor Project

NAMI

The JED foundation

New Jersey Department of Human Services

NJ Hopeline

2nd Floor Youth Helpline

988- Lifeline

Textline TALK to 741-741

What resources would you recommend to struggling teens?

Vargas:

See attachment below.

IT’S REAL: TEENS AND MENTAL HEALTH

Resources for Yourself and Your Friends

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Call 988

Crisis Text Line

Text TALK to 741741 to text with a trained counselor for free

The Trevor Project

TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386 Text START to 678-678 TrevorChat: thetrevorproject.org

notOK App

notokapp.com

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration samhsa.govHelpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

National Eating Disorders Association

Helpline: 1-800-931-2237Chat: Via myneda.org

TWLOHA

Connect to mental health resources in your community twloha.com/find-help

RAINN

National Sexual Assault Hotline Lifeline: 1-800-656-4673Chat: Via hotline.rainn.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness

nami.org/Your-Journey/Teens-Young-Adults

Seize the Awkward

seizetheawkward.org@seizetheawkward

afsp.org/resources