Kids in crisis: How to start the conversation about child suicidality

With suicidal thoughts and behaviors on the rise in the U.S., Vera Feuer, MD, director of Emergency Psychiatry Services at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, joins Sandra Lindsay, RN, on the podcast to explain the warning signs and helpful resources for caretakers, including what language to use — as well as what to avoid — when talking to children struggling with suicidality.

This is Part 1 of our series examining child suicidality, a term that may be new to some. It is defined as suicidal ideation coupled with a plan for ending one’s own life, and it looms increasingly large over America’s children. Over the next several weeks, we'll be speaking with experts and advocates who are finding innovative ways to address this problem and improve access to care. Following our conversation with Dr. Feuer, in Part 2 of this series, we speak with a group of concerned mothers who are using their platform to elevate and amplify programs that support mental wellness — including one that Dr. Feuer is spearheading at Nortwhell Health. In Part 3 two experts from Northwell's Center for Transgender Care explain what these recent reports tell us about LGBTQIA children and their suicidality risk.

The Data

• National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) report released in June 2023 found the suicide rate among young people ages 10‒24 increased 62% from 2007 through 2021
• Youth Risk Behavior Survey released in February 2023 showed significant increases in the percentage of youth who seriously considered suicide, made a suicide plan, and attempted suicide. It also showed biggest impact was in young girls.
• Get expert insight into this data, what it means and what those caring a loved one who is struggling with suicidality should know.

Resources for families

• American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry provides education for families including what to expect when you have to go to the emergency department and how to handle suicidality in children. 
• American Academy of Pediatrics provides education on various topics including mental health. 
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – has local chapters in each state, which offer a wealth of resources to get connected to treatment, support and education.