For the past few years, we have been hearing more and more about youth suicide, bringing the issue to the forefront — and that’s a good thing. Schools have put suicide prevention programs into place. People are becoming less and less afraid to use the word “suicide” with kids, knowing that talking and asking about it could actually help. A lot of work has been done and is continuing. There is still much that we can do.

Youth and young adults ages 10-24 years of age account for 15% of all suicides, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even though we hear about youth suicide often, the suicide rate for this age group is actually lower than other age groups. However, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for this age group.

Suicidal thoughts are common among teens and young adults. In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, about 11% of young adults ages 18-25 report that they’ve had serious thoughts about suicide, and about 1%-2% report a suicide attempt during the prior year. This may be shocking to learn, but the numbers are actually higher among high school students — nearly 20% report having serious thoughts about suicide and 9% report a suicide attempt.

Young children are at risk as well. During recent years, suicide prevention programs have begun in elementary schools, following in the footsteps of secondary schools. Why? The need is there, unfortunately.

So, what can we all do? According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, parents and other adults in kids’ lives can show that it’s OK to struggle and to learn from mistakes. They can model how to navigate through difficult times in healthy ways. Through these examples, kids may develop flexibility and compassion for their own missteps — possibly even empathy for others. An understanding can develop that life is messy and challenging for everyone at different times.

We can also check in with youth regularly, beyond just day-to-day tasks such as homework. Trying to let them know that we are there, if they need to talk, can be a very positive step.

If kids have a history of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self-harm or substance use, they should be monitored more closely and be given access to mental health professionals, if needed.

Sometimes, we think it’s normal for kids and teens to be depressed. But, while adolescence is difficult, depression is not necessarily a normal part of growing up. Feeling hopeless is not something that may just pass with time. Checking in often, asking how they are doing, staying close and building connections can help immensely. Let kids know often that even when life seems bleak, there is hope.

Help is available 24 hours a day by texting or calling 988. Call if you need help or if you know someone who does.