Suicide is a complex issue affecting countless families, making awareness essential for prevention. Kelly Hwang, LMFT, the director of Intensive Behavioral Health at Children’s Institute, shares about how recent societal changes have impacted suicidal ideation, particularly among youth. She highlights two major influences, including the pandemic and social media. While both issues are attributed to rising mental health concerns, they also provide opportunities for dialogue and support.

The Impact of the Pandemic

The pandemic has profoundly affected youth mental health, resulting in alarming increases in suicidal ideation and self-harm. A key driver of this crisis is social isolation including lockdowns, which stripped youth of social interactions, leaving many feeling lonely and disconnected.

Additionally, the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic shifted conversations about mortality into the forefront of young minds. Children, who may have previously been unaffected by death, were suddenly inundated with news about COVID-related hospitalizations and fatalities, heightening their anxiety and contributing to feelings of despair. Some even experienced the death of a family member or friend as a result of COVID.

The pandemic also sparked a cultural shift towards open discussions about mental health and wellness. The stigma that once silenced these conversations quickly began to dissipate, creating an environment where people felt more comfortable opening up about their struggles. While this openness may explain the uptick in reported rates of suicidal ideation, it also facilitates supportive dialogue.

The Role of Social Media

Social media serves as a double-edged sword for youth. On the negative side, it perpetuates unrealistic standards, leading to unhealthy comparisons and feelings of inadequacy. Social media users tend to showcase their “best sides,” which skews perceptions of reality and can exacerbate underlying anxiety and depression in some users.

Social media can also promote harmful behaviors in schools including bullying and harassment. Additionally, easy access to content about suicide poses risks to youth.

Despite these challenges, social media can be a source of information for mental health and suicide prevention. Online resources can be life-saving — including for parents, who can benefit from increased awareness of warning signs and strategies to support their children.

Tips for Parents

If you’re a parent concerned about your child’s mental health, consider the following tips:

Recognize Depressive Symptoms

• Loss of interest: If your child no longer engages in activities they once enjoyed.
• Loss of enjoyment: Notice this sign in activities and things previously enjoyed.
• Changes in eating and sleeping: Deviations in usual patterns should be noted.
• Preoccupation with death: Frequent talk about death or suicidal thoughts should not be dismissed.
• Low energy or fatigue: Persistent low energy levels.
• Depressed moods and/or tearfulness: Persistent feelings of depression.
• Traumatic exposure: Past traumas that may affect their mental health.
• Encourage open dialogue: Engaging in conversations about mental health and suicide is crucial.
• Ask directly: Ask if your child has thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
• Validate their feelings: Listen empathetically and acknowledge their emotions.
• Connect them with trusted adults: Encourage seeking support from other family members, mentors or counselors.
• Consult a mental health professional: If concerns escalate, don’t hesitate to involve a professional.

Resources

For additional support, organizations like Children’s Institute offer resources and counseling for qualifying families. For families under Medi-Cal with youth 0-21 years of age who are seeking resources, please see here.

Additional resources: 

Call 988 – SAMHSA’s Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Call 211 for essential community services 

LA County’s Department of Mental Health – 1-800-854-7771 (24/7 hotline) 

Kelly Hwang, LMFT, is director of Intensive Behavioral Health at Children’s Institute.