Suicide can be a challenging topic of discussion, noted Harry Brown, a Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) counselor at Islander Middle School.

While speaking at a virtual presentation on April 26, Brown said that his own brother died by suicide 47 years ago and that the “Signs of Suicide: Youth Suicide Prevention for Parents” gathering is aimed at sharing critical information to help youth and others who may be struggling with depression or anxiety find the necessary support to remain in the safe zone.

“We need to collaborate with all of you and all the parents in creating the kind of change that needs to happen when young people are having this experience,” said Brown, noting that students will also be receiving the training presented in the webinar.

Presented by the Islander Middle School counseling team, MIYFS and MI Parent Edge, the evidence-based prevention strategies on the meeting agenda included: ACT (acknowledge signs of depression or suicide in a friend; care about friends; and tell a trusted adult), what to do when children ACT, building coping skills and resources.

Brown delved into the 2021 Healthy Youth Survey to display data regarding depression and serious contemplation of suicide in local and state youth.

According to the survey, 19% of eighth-graders, 33% of sophomores and 39% of seniors in the Mercer Island School District (MISD) experienced depression for two weeks or more at the time of the survey. Those percentages stand at 35%, 38% and 45% for each grade in the above order statewide.

When discussing youth who were seriously contemplating suicide in the past year when the survey was distributed, Brown said the survey listed that 13% of eighth-graders, 22% of sophomores and 15% of seniors in the MISD had those thoughts. Statewide percentages were 19%, 20% and 20% for those grades in order.

“It really has heightened our awareness of who needs support, and everyone on this team has had extensive training in suicide intervention, as well, so we really provide I think a pretty cohesive response,” Brown said.

Cara Graham, who joins Brown as another MIYFS counselor at Islander Middle School, said that ways of preventing suicide are treatment for depression; developing healthy habits like having a consistent bedtime routine, eating balanced meals and engaging in regular physical exercise; connecting with peers and trusted adults; preventing access to guns; and having hopeful feelings.

“We need to support our kids and just believing there is another pathway out of these thoughts and feelings,” she said.

In getting kids to open up and share what they’re experiencing, families can have teen-led meetings, play a game, go for a walk or take a drive.

When it comes to coping skills, parents can encourage their children to join clubs, participate in activities and build friendships, jot down when they’re grateful for, talk to friends and family members, listen to music and more.

“It’s a time really not to step back as a parent but to shift your role to be that coach-consultant and provide the support that they need,” Brown said.

On the resource front, the Mindwise SOS Parent Page provides videos and information at mindwise.org/parent.

To watch the full video of the April 26 presentation, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7Nv0qeEJpM. For more information, see: https://miptacouncil.membershiptoolkit.com/mipe_cc_signsofsuicide