What if you could save a life just by telling someone, You are so incredibly loved?
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 24. This statistic underscores how crucial it is to prioritize awareness, support, and prevention—during September and all year round.
Suicide prevention is a community effort, and here we recognize specific segments of the community who contribute to this effort. Our hope is to shine a light on the unwavering support and love that each of us can both give and receive.
This month, we’re emphasizing the importance of letting young people know how much they are loved. And we’re also recognizing others who make a difference:
- The family members, chosen family, and caregivers who offer essential support
- The people whose courage in facing challenges motivates those around them
- The healing professionals who do the tireless work of nurturing their communities
Parents, let your kids know they are so incredibly loved.
It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of the everyday routine and miss the chance to let your kids know that you’re there for them, no matter what. But even if they don’t let you see it, knowing they have your unconditional love matters more than anything. As our Chief Clinical Officer, Barbara Nosal, puts it, “The one thing parents and kids want most is closer, more meaningful relationships.”
There’s a huge body of research showing that strong parent-child connection has a tremendous positive impact on young people. That vital bond improves their well-being; lowers their risk of substance use, depression, and suicidal thoughts; and enhances their ability to forge and maintain relationships outside the family.
Here are some ways to strengthen communication with your child.
Everyone, let’s remind the people who support us that they are so incredibly valued.
Parents, other family and chosen family, mentors, best friends, spouses, partners—so often, they are our essential support system, there for us no matter what.
They text us constant cat gifs when we’re having a hard day, or bring over soup or donuts or a board game when we need a lift. They sit beside us in the clinic, holding our hand, and they hold us up when we feel wobbly.. And we do the same for them, in our own ways and in our own time.
Explore what it means to give and receive unconditional love.
Young people, let your peers know they are so incredibly motivating.
We recognize that this generation is already pretty good at communicating. In the past few years, young people have entirely shifted the paradigm around mental health in the United States, by talking openly about their emotions and their experiences, and sharing their journeys of healing.
Their willingness to engage in these discussions has been the most significant factor in reducing stigma and weakening the power of old, harmful stereotypes, like the idea that being strong means hiding your feelings.
“Young people are advocating for their needs and for the needs of others who are suffering,” says Newport Executive Director Leigh McInnis, LPC. “They’re speaking their feelings out loud, telling others that’s it’s okay to feel these feelings, and advocating to make space for them.”
Here are some ways to reach out to friends and let them know how much you care.
Healing and school professionals, let’s support each other in this challenging and all-important work.
It may not always feel like it, but know that you are making an impact. You are changing lives with your caring, skill, and dedication. In many cases, you are saving lives.
Know that we’re here to help—by building networks, providing continuing education, and creating spaces in which you can connect with your colleagues to find the inspiration and motivation that fuels you.
Learn more about how Newport partners with mental healthcare providers, physicians, school professionals, and employers.
And last but not least, remind yourself: You are so incredibly loved, valued, motivating, and impactful.
We know sometimes it’s hard to believe, but trust us on this. You are all that and so much more. And you are enough, just as you are.