Talk to your kids about suicide | Guest Column

The small town of Murphy, Texas, was rocked last week by the discovery of two suicides within hours of each other. Both young women, just 17 years old, have been described as good students, bubbly and energetic, with no outward signs of depression. How does something like this happen?

Sadly, teen suicide is not rare. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 10 and 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Locally, 18 percent of 10th-graders in King County admit to having seriously considered suicide, and 14 percent admit to having made a suicide plan. (Washington State Healthy Youth Survey, 2014.)

At Youth Eastside Services (YES), we see many young people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts. The scariest thing is that sometimes, the people closest to them have no idea how serious the situation is.

To prevent suicide, we have to do two things: talk about suicide, and take action if we suspect that someone we know may be suicidal.

Signs to watch for

Saying things like, "I can't take this anymore," "I wish I could fall asleep and never wake up," "I wish this would all stop," "What's the point?" or "It won't matter if I'm not around."

Showing signs of depression, hopelessness and anxiety.

Giving away possessions.

Talking about suicide or having a preoccupation with death.

Changes in eating or sleeping patterns.

Engaging in destructive behavior such as reckless driving, self-harm or drug/alcohol use.

Prior attempts.

Take action

Whether you're a parent or the friend of someone who's suicidal, there are things you can do to help. The most important thing is to take action, regardless of your relationship to the individual.

Pay attention. Look the person in the eye, show them you "see" them, and ask how they're doing. Listen carefully and without judgment.

If you suspect that a child, friend or loved one is depressed or suicidal, don't be afraid to ask questions like, "Are you thinking of suicide? Do you have a plan?"

Tell a trusted adult.

If the threat is imminent - say you find a suicide note, a post on social media or other evidence - get the young person to a hospital for an assessment. If you can't find them or don't have a way to get to a hospital, dial 9-1-1. If the threat isn't immediate, monitor them closely until you can notify their parents of your concern; do not leave them alone. Follow up to be sure they see a counselor or other mental health professional.

Seek outside help. Call YES at (425) 747-4937, or contact one of the other organizations below.

Get help and learn more

Teen Link - Call 1-866TEENLINK (866-833-6546) to speak with a teen phone worker from 6-10 p.m. or visit 866teenlink.org

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Call 1-800-273-8255 24/7, tweet at @800273TALK or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - www.afsp.org

Youth Suicide Prevention Program - www.yspp.org

Patti Skelton-McGougan is the executive director of YES, a nonprofit organization and a leading provider of youth mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, and education and preventions services on the Eastside. Since 1968, YES has been a lifeline for kids and families, helping them overcome emotional problems and painful crises to set them on a path toward happier, healthier lives. Visit YouthEastside Services.org.