They may not know how to express what they feel. They may not understand why they feel that way. They may not know how to ask for help. But many Duval County teens are struggling with depressed and suicidal thoughts, and you may only have subtle signs to realize it’s time to step in and offer help.

The 2019 Duval County Youth Risk Behavior Survey found troubling numbers:

  • 31% of Duval middle school students ever seriously considered suicide
  • 16% of Duval middle school students ever attempted suicide
  • 23% of Duval high school students ever seriously considered suicide
  • 19% of Duval high school students ever attempted suicide
  • 40% of Duval high school students felt sad or hopeless almost every day for 2+ weeks in a row

ALL of these measurements have risen over the past decade, at such a rate that the Survey labels the changes each a “significant trend”.

Support in schools

The Duval County Public School District marked February as “You Matter Month”, a campaign dedicated to promoting suicide prevention and awareness. The campaign includes a video where teens highlight how they may post happy and optimistic things on social media, but that’s actually a mask and they’re struggling emotionally and mentally. The campaign encourages students to ask for help.

Teens may be resistant to ask for help, though, or they may not realize they need help. So it’s up to everyone to know some of the warning signs and offer support for teens in distress.

How you can help

Support can start with prevention: safely store guns, alcohol, and medication, which the teen could use if they are suicidal; encourage the teen to spend time with friends and actively include them in family activities, to discourage feelings of isolation; help your teen get regular sleep and practice other healthy behaviors; and pay attention to their words, actions, and behaviors.

There are many factors that can put a teen at a higher risk of suicide, including a history of abuse, medical issues, experiencing bullying, or a friend’s or family member’s death by suicide. Regardless of the risk factors, there are some warning signs you should always take seriously:

  • Talking or writing about suicide
  • Giving away possessions
  • Stepping back from social contact
  • Risky and/or self-destructive behavior
  • Intense mood swings, feelings of hopelessness
  • Escalating use of drugs and/or alcohol

If your teen displays any of these behaviors, talk to them. Waiting for your teen to come to you may mean waiting until it’s too late.

In this conversation, it’s ok to say “suicide”- you won’t be planting ideas in your teen’s mind, and you will help the teen understand your concerns. Ask what they’re feeling, listen with empathy, and let them know that you are there to help them through whatever they’re experiencing. In this moment, your teen needs to hear that you take them seriously and that you care for them.

If you believe your teen is in immediate danger, call 911 or a suicide hotline.

Help is available

In a crisis situation, there are many 24-hour resources. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, or chat with them online through their website. The Crisis Text Line connects you with support when you text HOME to 741741.

After the immediate crisis, you can help connect your teen with a professional who can provide the ongoing guidance and support they need. Jax Therapy Network features counselors and therapists who can help with a range of challenges your teen may be experiencing. You can search for the right professional by specialty through the Jax Therapy Network homepage.