Youth are struggling with suicide and suicidal ideation at alarming and increasing rates nationally, according to Natalie Burns, director of suicide prevention and risk management at TRAILS (Transforming Research to Improve the Lives of Students).
Burns highlights a sobering reality: over 20% of teens have considered suicide, making it one of the leading causes of death among young people. This alarming statistic is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s annual Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report (2013–2023), which underscores the urgent need for continued prevention efforts and support for at-risk youth.
Training for caregivers and communities
To help inform and support communities, TRAILS offers a free “Suicide Awareness and Prevention for Caregivers and Communities” training with the most upcoming date on Thursday, February 6 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The primary takeaway, according to Burns, is that suicide is preventable, particularly when everyone is informed and equipped with the right strategies.
Topics to be covered include dispelling myths, understanding risk factors and warning signs, promoting safety in the home, initiating conversations about mental health and identifying resources for support. TRAILS’ Suicide Prevention and Risk Management programming helps schools and communities reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking behaviors and connect at-risk students to the care they need.
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“Families, caregivers and any community members (coaches, neighbors, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to attend this presentation,” Burns said. “Youth suicide prevention is a shared responsibility between all adults in a community. We each play a unique and imperative role and can take the first step by educating ourselves on suicide prevention —informed communities can save lives.”
Burns points out that attendees will learn about age-appropriate ways to address the topic of suicide with children, tweens and adolescents, as well as methods for safety planning and lethal means reduction. The presentation will also address common myths, appropriate language for discussing suicide, social media and suicide-related content, risk factors, warning signs and where to access additional resources. Participants will receive access to the TRAILS Suicide Prevention Guide for Caregivers and Communities.
Recognizing the signs
“Warning signs that indicate youth may be considering suicide include: talking about death or expressing hopelessness, describing themselves as a burden to others, or even mentioning a desire to die,” Burns said. “Behavioral changes, like sudden withdrawal from friends, family or activities they once enjoyed, or engaging in risky behaviors such as substance abuse, can signal distress. Mood swings, including extreme sadness, irritability, anger or numbness, along with changes in sleep or appetite, may also be warning signs.”
“Recognizing these signs and offering empathy and support is essential to connecting them with the help they need,” Burns said.
Sometimes, a decline in academic performance, as well as frequent unexplained physical complaints (like headaches or stomach aches), can indicate emotional pain.
How to respond
When someone expresses suicidal thoughts, Burns advises remaining calm, listening without judgment, and validating their feelings by using phrases such as:
“I’m here for you, I want to know more.”
She adds it is also okay to ask directly:
“Are you thinking about suicide?”
“Stay with them if they’re in immediate danger, offer reassurance, and avoid minimizing their feelings with simple solutions or trying to convince them to feel differently than they do at this moment,” Burns said. “Being compassionate, present and resourceful can make a vital difference.”
The key message
Burns emphasizes the key message that suicide is preventable and that open, compassionate dialogue can make all the difference:
“Suicidal thoughts are so much more common than many people realize and normalizing discussions about them can help reduce stigma and make it easier for those struggling to seek help,” Burns said. “Many who experience these thoughts feel isolated, but a genuine connection, curiosity and empathy can help alleviate their pain and allow them to feel seen. Asking someone directly about suicidal thoughts does NOT increase risk — instead, it offers a safe space for them to share their feelings and connect to support.”
Burns believes that by recognizing signs, initiating judgment-free conversations and connecting those at risk to professional help, we can foster hope and reassure individuals that they are not alone.
“Approaching the topic of youth suicide with care, empathy and support involves creating a safe and open environment where children and adolescents feel heard and understood,” Burns said. “We can start by normalizing conversations about suicide and letting them know it’s okay to talk about difficult feelings without fear of judgment or punishment. Use language that is compassionate and non-alarmist, and ask open-ended questions like, ‘How are you feeling?’ or ‘What’s been on your mind lately?’ If concerns about suicide arise, ask directly and calmly — this shows you’re willing to have the conversation and can help ease their anxiety.”
Burns also outlines certain triggers that affect some youth more profoundly:
“Academic pressures and high expectations, including perfectionism, can create a profound sense of inadequacy or failure for some teens,” she explained.
“LGBTQ+ youth are at heightened risk due to social stigma, discrimination or family rejection, which often leads to isolation and hopelessness. Similarly, Indigenous and Black youth face increased risks stemming from increased exposure to racism, microaggressions, and a lack of access to culturally informed care. Additionally, young people who have experienced trauma — such as abuse, neglect, or bullying, including cyberbullying — are particularly vulnerable, as these experiences can deeply impact their sense of self-worth and safety.”
This comprehensive perspective underscores the importance of addressing these systemic and individual challenges to better support at-risk youth. Burns reminds adults that each adolescent’s experience is unique, influenced by intersecting identities, and that understanding these common causes can guide targeted, empathic support.
“We have a resource at TRAILS called, ‘How to Talk About Suicide’ that may be a helpful resource,” Burns added. “Such language acknowledges the complexity of mental health issues without placing blame, helping to humanize those affected. Additionally, framing conversations about suicide in a way that emphasizes support and recovery can empower individuals to share their experiences without fear of judgment.”
By choosing words carefully, Burns said, we can reduce stigma and create an environment that encourages open discussions about suicide. She underscores the importance of comprehensive suicide prevention programming in schools:
“Our program equips leadership, educators, all staff, families and community members with the knowledge and skills to recognize warning signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors enabling early intervention and effective support,” Burns said. “By integrating risk management strategies, schools can systematically respond to crises, ensuring that students receive timely and compassionate help.”
To learn more about TRAILS, visit TRAILStoWellness.org.