Orange County Student Mental Health

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Tip Sheet for Families: Youth Suicide & Mental Health Concerns During COVID-19

Audience(s): Educators, Families, Health or Mental Health Professional, School Staff or Administrators, Students

This Tip Sheet for Families: Youth Suicide & Mental Health Concerns During COVID-19 provides parents and other caregivers with research-based practices for recognizing mental health distress and suicidal ideation among children. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people aged 10-24, and children and teens are being uniquely challenged by the pandemic and corresponding stay-at-home orders. The practices outlined by this tip sheet guide caregivers through vital conversations, outlining strategies for asking your child about their wellbeing, developing a safety plan, and a range of proactive approaches caregivers can take to support their child’s wellness during the pandemic. Additionally, this tip sheet overviews local suicide prevention and other mental health services, as well as strategies for how to talk about these services with your child.