Teen Suicide Prevention
The Stuart B. Eiken Foundation – “STU22crew” – was created to promote awareness for the prevention of teenage suicide and to assist teens with the overall health of their bodies, minds, and hearts.
Family & Caregiver Engagement
Families and caregivers play a big role in helping prevent youth suicide. The goal is to make home a safe, calm place where you can talk openly and get support when you need it.
What This Means
- Open conversations: Your family should make it easy for you to talk about your feelings without judgment or conflict.
- Support and connection: Strong, caring relationships can lower stress and protect your mental health.
- Paying attention: Caregivers should watch for big changes in mood or behavior and check in regularly.
- Teamwork: Families can work with schools, coaches, counselors, or doctors to support you
Protective Factors (Things That Help Keep You Safe)
Some family actions can lower the risk of suicide, such as:
- Being involved and present
- Setting clear, supportive expectations about school and goals
- Being available during important times (after school, dinner, evenings)
These small actions help create stability, safety, and trust.
Helpful Resources for Families
Toolkits & Guides
Organizations like SAMHSA.gov and American Academy of Pediatrics offer guides that help parents understand youth mental health and how to support you.
Working with Professionals
Families can join you in treatment programs—like CAMS-4Teens—that teach caregivers how to help and stay involved throughout your mental-health care.
Community Support
Local clubs, sports teams, youth groups, and faith communities often share information and host events that help families learn more about supporting youth mental health.
Emergency Help
If someone is in immediate emotional crisis, anyone can call or text 988 in the United States for 24/7 support.
Recognizing the Warning Signs and Offering Support
Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. Suicide prevention is everyone’s business. Learn how to help a friend, loved one, or coworker. Everyone can learn the warning signs and how to get help.
The Facts About Suicide
A CDC study showed that a range of factors contribute to suicide among those with and without known mental health conditions. Everyone can help prevent suicide by knowing the warning signs and where to get help.
Suicide is a public health problem because of its far-reaching effects:
- Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. It was responsible for over 48,000 deaths in 2021.
- In 2021, an estimated 12.3 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.5 million made a plan for suicide, and 1.7 million attempted suicide.
- People who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying, or sexual violence are at higher risk for suicide.
