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by Matt Mizell (Author)
After Netflix released its popular "Thirteen Reasons Why" original series about a girl who killed herself, the topic of suicide went viral. However, suicide had unfortunately already gone viral among teenagers in the United States. According to The Jason Foundation, - Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for teens. - More teens die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, and chronic lung disease, COMBINED. - Each day in the United States, over 5,240 teenagers attempt suicide. - Four out of Five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warning signs. If you work with youth, it's not IF you will have a conversation with a teenager about suicide, but WHEN. Are you prepared? Do you know what to say? Do you know who to contact or what to do? This guide equips you with 13 steps as suggested by counselors, therapists, and the National Suicide Hotline for how to engage teenagers in crisis. This 2nd Edition includes recently updated hotline numbers, additional resources, and two extra chapters of hope, one of which consists entirely of letters written by high school students to encourage those who are suicidal. NOTE: This book is NOT intended for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. This guide intended to be a tool to help those who may find themselves in a conversation with a suicidal teenager.
