This resource has been created to help parents, teachers, or other youth serving professionals who may be concerned about their military child’s or adolescent’s mental or emotional well-being. Talking about suicide prevention and awareness are challenging conversations for anyone to lead. Err on the side of caution and take proactive steps to be prepared for difficult conversations. While parents or other caring adults may sense signs of mental or emotional health struggles, not everyone feels equipped to approach these difficult conversations. This toolkit includes comprehensive resources on suicide prevention and awareness, suicide loss and grief, and specific tools and strategies for professionals, schools, and other youth serving providers (OYSP).

It is important to embrace the evidence-based approach to public health regarding suicide prevention and awareness. Normalize regular check-in conversations with children and teens (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline [NCTSN], 2020). Parents and/or guardians should always trust their gut and check-in if they are concerned or notice changes in behavior. Remain calm, listen actively, and try not to become overly anxious about approaching this topic. Knowing when to step back or press into difficult conversations about mental health and suicide is key (NCTSN, 2020).

Parents and teachers can model healthy habits for mental and emotional wellbeing. If a military child has a history of anxiety, depression, self-harm, substance abuse or suicidal ideations, monitor them closely and consider involving other youth serving professionals like school counselors, Military Family Life Counselors, or other medical professionals (CDC, 2020, CDC, 2022).

The following scenarios indicate a person may be at immediate risk for suicide. If someone says any of the following statements, contact the National Alliance for Suicide Prevention by calling or texting 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

1. Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
2. Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or obtaining a gun.
3. Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.

Other behaviors may also indicate a serious risk or may be related to a painful event, loss, or change (Kaslow, n.d., Smith et al., 2021, SAMHSA, n.d.).

• Talking about feeling trapped
• Experiencing unbearable physical pain or headaches
• Feeling like they are a burden to others
• Change in social interactions
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Being anxious or worried often
• Sudden reckless or impulsive behavior
• Self-harming
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Feeling isolated or withdrawing
• Getting in fights or not getting along with others
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Extreme mood swings