According to the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF), suicide rates in Ohio, as well as nationwide, have increased for youth ages 10-24. Despite being the second leading cause of death for young people, there is still much stigma attached to suicide as well as hesitation around talking about it with others. There is hope, however, as suicide is preventable! Many young people who are thinking of suicide typically demonstrate warning signs, and talking directly to them about suicide often provides relief for the individual. 
Nationwide Children’s Hospital suggests the following tips for educators, parents and supportive adults to engage students and teenagers in conversation around mental health.
Do not wait for a crisis. A good opportunity to talk about suicide or mental health issues is when things are going well.
Check in regularly and ask your student or child directly how they are doing and if they have ever had thoughts about ending their life.
Look for changes in mood or behavior that might be a warning sign that something is wrong. Examples include a lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed, signs of depression or malaise, or a change in eating or sleeping patterns.
Most importantly, if a youth expresses thoughts of suicide, take them seriously! Listen with empathy, act immediately, and never keep their information a secret. Parents need to be notified and advised of next steps to ensure safety and access to care.
Lastly, it is important to reflect on the adage, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Schools benefit from having clear, evidence-based suicide protocols to respond to concerning behavior or threats of self-harm prior to a tragedy, as well as plan for re-entry following an absence relate to suicide risk.
For additional assistance regarding comprehensive suicide prevention, please contact Nyeshja Malone, Administrative Assistant for the Student Wellness Department, at 216-901-4213.