Suicide is a major health concern that impacts thousands of young people, their families and their communities in the United States each year. Boys & Girls Clubs and Youth Centers are uniquely positioned in the communities they serve to promote suicide awareness and prevention.
In the event of an emergency, call 911. In need of 24/7 support but not an emergency? Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
When Your Child Is in Crisis
What to Do
- DO: Ask them if they are thinking about suicide
- DO: Remove lethal means (e.g., guns, sharps, rope)
- DO: Be empathic and keep communication open
- DO: Take it seriously
What NOT to DO
- DON’T: Minimize their feelings or take it lightly
- DON’T: Be judgmental
- DON’T: Leave them home alone
- DON’T: Blame yourself
More Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. The Lifeline provides confidential support to anyone. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/.
Find your local crisis or support center:
- The 988 Lifeline has a network of over 150 local crisis centers. Find your nearest crisis center here: 988lifeline.org/our-network/.
- SAMHSA also has a network of behavioral health treatment service providers. Find your local facility here: findtreatment.samhsa.gov/.
• BeThe1To Resources: BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message for spreading the work about steps we can all take to prevent suicide. Visit bethe1to.com/ to find events related to suicide prevention, learn the action steps and find helpful resources.
• Be There: Be There is BGCA’s comprehensive approach to increasing the capacity of Clubs to help youth build supportive relationships and support youth, staff and families who are grieving. The full Be There toolkit, including suicide-specific resources, can be found at BGCA.net.
• Mental Health First Aid: Mental Health First Aid provides training on how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
• Stop a Suicide Today: A program of Screening for Mental Health, Inc., Stop a Suicide Today is a campaign to empower individuals to help others experiencing suicidal ideation. stopasuicide.org/
• American Association of Suicidology (AAS): The AAS has resources, trainings, fact sheets and programs to help prevent youth suicide. suicidology.org/resources/crisis-resources/
• The JED Foundation: The JED Foundation works to equip teens and young adults with the skills and support they need to grow into healthy, thriving adults by protecting emotional health and preventing suicide. The JED Foundation also has a useful resource on helping a friend in need via social media. jedfoundation.org/.
Source: Boys & Girls Clubs of America
