Suicide is a leading cause of death in Utah for youth ages ten and older. This can be a scary and uncomfortable topic to talk about with kids, but communication can be key to prevention.

We’re often afraid that discussing suicide will put the idea into people’s minds. That can scare us into remaining silent. However, research tells us differently. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, “Talking honestly about suicide does not give others the idea to take their own lives.”

In fact, talking about it could open up an important conversation. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Many people are uncomfortable with the topic of suicide. As a result, people rarely communicate openly about suicide. Thus, an important public health problem is left hidden in secrecy, which can hinder effective prevention efforts.”

There are some important guidelines to keep in mind when talking with someone who may be having suicidal thoughts, according to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. One of these is to never dismiss thoughts or signs. If a child – or anyone – confides thoughts of suicide, these should never be ignored.

Next, listen carefully and provide support. Their struggles may not seem like a big deal to you, but to them, they are real and serious. “Empathize and listen. Don’t minimize their feelings, it can affect how they reach out for support in the future,” it reads.

Also important is to learn the warning signs. Some of these include changes in behavior, talking about wanting to die, talking about feeling hopeless, acting anxious or agitated, sleeping too much or too little, withdrawing or isolating and showing rage or extreme mood swings.

Another guideline is to never keep suicide a secret. If a friend, family member, child or anyone says that they are having suicidal thoughts, help the person to get help. No one needs to face these feelings alone.

While we should be openly communicating with young children about suicide, that communication may be different than it is with teenagers and adults. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide prevention with younger children is less focused on talking about suicide and more about supporting them in coping with, and expressing, difficult emotions. It is all about teaching them to show empathy for others and letting them know where to turn for help.

We may not feel like we have the right words to say. But, what is important is that we say something. Ask, listen and find help. Let kids know, no matter how young they are, that there is hope and there is help. Don’t be afraid to talk about suicide.

A list of important resources for youth can be found at suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Help is available 24 hours a day by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.