Ranked 11th in causes of death and responsible for 1.4% of deaths worldwide, suicide is a highly prevalent present-day issue. Though the causes of suicide can vary, a recent study concluded that at least 90% of suicides are attributed to mental disorders. Suicidal thoughts most often stem from psychiatric diseases- the three most pertinent being depression, substance abuse disorders, and psychosis (involves symptoms that suggest a loss of grasp on reality like suspicion of others or withdrawl from social engagements). Other factors such as anxiety, eating habits, or organic mental disorders (not caused by psychiatric illness) also often come into play. Such statistics show a necessity for suicide prevention guidelines in mental health institutions. Educational, preventative measures also need to be accompanied by widely accessible treatments. 

The most successful treatments target the underlying mental health disorders that may cause suicidal thoughts. For example, psychiatric medication is often prescribed to mediate underlying mental health disorders. These medications help patients cope with the symptoms of mental health disorders, which frequently directly manifest as suicidal thoughts. Examples of these medications are antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. In addition, crisis services and peer support are forms of mental health treatment. Crises support options include home treatment, residential treatment, and suicide hotlines. Additionally, peer support involves bringing people with similar experiences together to combat loneliness and isolation. Because suicide is a sensitive topic, peer support can be personalized, offering options such as online, letter-writing, and in-person treatments. 

The loved ones of those plagued by suicidal thoughts are negatively impacted in many ways, including the children of parents who struggle with suicidal ideation. After losing a parent to suicide, kids experience a process known as traumatic grieving. They may experience symptoms such as feelings of grief and confusion, as well as avoidant behavior and their own intrusive thoughts about suicide. Additionally, children might have more temperamental responses than their role models, and they may even feel relief if their parent had been ill for a long time. To mediate these symptoms and support a grieving child’s recovery, loved ones must be cognizant of their own responses and behaviors. Reminiscing and sharing stories about the parent who died and feeling sad are important stepping stones to recovery. Children often need to be reassured that they are not at fault and that their parent had been ill. Most importantly, being honest with them and reminding them that their parents loved them is crucial. 

The living parent or other loved ones often need help supporting the child’s recovery. Their response is vital as children mirror the manner of grieving their loved ones; thus, explosive and uncontrollable reactions can negatively impact the child. The ideal response depends on the child’s age. For example, euphemisms can sometimes scare a young child. The parent or loved one must remember that they can’t take away their child’s pain as much as they want to. In fact, the adult expressing their sadness can help the child realize their feelings are appropriate. After a death, children also need reassurance that there will be people to take care of them, as death often triggers worries about the death of another member of their family. Trying to maintain the child’s usual schedule and routines is essential. However, a therapist should also step in if a child needs further support.

Trying to dissipate a family cycle of suicide is also pivotal as attention to the children’s emotional welfare can break the cycle of suicide in families. Johns Hopkins Research says that children whose parent commits suicide when they are under 18 are three times as likely as children with living parents to commit suicide themselves. This probability further increases when the parent who loses their battle to suicide is the mother. Some risk factors include low family and community support, pre-existing anxiety or other mental health concerns, as well as other traumatic experiences. 

In conclusion, supporting children who have been impacted by suicide in some way should be a significant focus to further prevent suicide. Mental health literacy and suicide prevention resources must also be available in schools and other communities for adolescents from a young age. Through the Compassionate Connections Campaign, we hope to raise awareness, promote mental health literacy, and perpetuate peer connection through the penpal program. By providing this broadened support network and fostering an environment of open communication, our campaign aims to create an atmosphere of understanding and empathy.