Published
April 1, 2021
•
Reviewed by
a UI Health Care Provider
on
March 2, 2025
Crisis Help is Here
If you are in emotional distress or a suicide crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Just call or text 988 at any time for free, confidential support. If it is an emergency, call 911.
Welcome to the Suicidal Adolescent Family Empowerment Program otherwise known as SAFE. This program is for caregivers whose children have thought about suicide and or tried to hurt themselves.
General Information
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among children and young adults ages 10 to 24 years old.
- 9 out of 10 people who attempt suicide and survive will not die by suicide later
Researchers have found the most common precursors to a suicide attempt are:
- Familial stressors, such as divorce or parental conflict
- Relationship difficulties with a love interest
- School related problems (eg bullying)
Suicidal behavior is often a byproduct of an underlying issue, such as depression, traumatic stress, anxiety, or substance abuse.
What Can I Do?
Increase protective factors, such as:
- Effective care for your child’s mental health or substance abuse
- Community supports such as faith community, self-help groups (e.g. AA), youth programs (e.g. UAY)
- Healthy coping and problem-solving skills
- Approaching your loved one from a place of understanding and support
Talking about suicide does not cause or increase risk. It may lower the risk. It is important to ask your child each time you have a safety concern.
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- Para cambiar los subtítulos a español, haga clic en el icono de configuración, seleccioneSubtítulos/CC y elija Español.
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