I interviewed a dynamic woman named Mary Azoy who works at CrisisLink.org, the Northern Virginia and DC Metro hotline and support center for adults and youth in crisis. We discussed how their counseling services have become more important for teens dealing with everything from mental health issues to problems with the economy. To learn more about suicide and crisis in teens, read the interview. Help her spread the word by forwarding it to friends or relatives who may know someone in crisis. Here's what Mary Azoy shared with me:
Q: What is You Talk We Listen?
MA: A CrisisLink initiative aimed at youth to encourage them to call our hotline in times of crisis. We want to emphasize that our hotline is not just for suicidal people, but anybody in crisis. A “crisis” is self-defined, and for a teen can be anything from flunking calculus to a crushing romantic breakup. In either case a youth might call us for assistance in processing the anxiety he or she is going through or to help brainstorm possible solutions.
Q: Do you get a lot of calls from teens?
MA: We get an increasing number of teens who call with acute and life threatening emergencies. Our youth calls have gone up 110 % in the last year - and 340 % in the last five years.
Q: How do you let people know about the CrisisLink hotline?
MA: Part of our program involves distributing wallet cards listing our hotline numbers and tips for helping a potentially suicidal friend. We distribute them in schools, through community programs offered by government and schools, and to social service agencies that are youth focused.
Q: What statistics prompted CrisisLink to expand its services to this particular focus on youth?
MA: Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among people ages 15-24.
Working with various regional youth-focused task forces and based on community needs, we’ve expanded our efforts to educate teens and parents to recognize signs and symptoms of depression and suicidal thinking.
Q: Does everyone who is depressed think about or attempt suicide?
MA: No - but depression is a leading risk factor for suicidal thinking and behavior. 85% of suicides have depression as a contributing factor. In the remaining 15% suicides, depression is not evident, and the suicides appear to be primarily “impulsive.” It’s no surprise that most of the individuals who fall within this category of “impulsive suicides” are young people – because the part of their brains that controls impulse and decision-making isn’t fully developed until the mid 20’s. Teens are by nature emotional and impulsive, with a tendency toward mood swings. Most don’t have either the perspective or the life experience required to weather what may feel like devastating blows--such as not getting into their chosen college --or dealing with their first big breakup.
Q: What other services do you offer?
MA: Our LOSS Team offers support and resources to individuals, families and organizations in the direct aftermath of a suicide and other forms of traumatic loss. Those people affected could include loved ones – or “mere” witnesses to a traumatic event. Our LOSS Team offers people the opportunity to talk about what happened, coping strategies, and also the reassurance that - as devastating as the loss might be - they ultimately find a way through it. One part of this process is helping traumatized people “normalize” the turbulent feelings they’re experiencing. The LOSS Team also provides information about CrisisLink’s survivor support group, individual counseling and other community resources. This outreach isn’t just for teens, but it’s one way we encourage teens to use our services.
Q: Why are parents often so surprised if their child attempts suicide?
MA: Parents naturally want to believe that “all is well” with their children – sometimes at the expense of recognizing what’s really going on for them. Also, because it’s normal for teens to focus more on relationships with their friends and other peers, parents are often the last people in whom a teen in crisis might confide. We try to reach out to parents through the education workshops that we provide in a variety of settings: schools, church groups, PTAs, social service agencies, recreational centers, and other community organizations.
Q: What can parents do to help a potentially suicidal teen?
MA: Most people who are suicidal are in unbearable pain. They don’t necessarily want to end their lives, but rather put an end to the pain they’re experiencing. And because such pain limits their ability to think clearly, they may tend to focus on suicide as “the only way out.” Because of this inner uncertainty, most suicidal people show signs of their distress. And if others learn to recognize those warning signs, take them seriously, and to reach out before it’s too late, many lives could be saved. So we at CrisisLink train parents, peers, counselors, teachers, coaches, etc. to learn the warning signs and to know what to say and how to act when they see them. If your daughter looks like she’s having a hard time, encourage a conversation. Say, “I’m worried about you. You’ve seemed really depressed lately. What’s going on?" If it appears that someone may be thinking about suicide, ask him or her directly about it! Say, “Are you feeling suicidal? or “Are you thinking about ending your life?” Clear, direct questions usually prompt clear and direct answers.
Q: I've heard that asking about suicide might put the idea in a person's head?
MA: Contrary to popular belief, talking openly about suicide will never put the idea into someone’s head. In fact, a suicidal person usually feels an enormous sense of relief when he or she is able to share the painful thoughts and feelings with someone who cares. When in doubt, ask – and then be ready to really listen, and then offer whatever help is needed to ensure immediate safety and getting the suicidal person additional support.
Check out www.crisislink.org or call their phone: 703-527-4077 for more information. If you or someone you know needs help, call the Hotline: 800-273-8255
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