If you are in a mental health crisis, contact the National Suicide Hotline 800-273-8255 or dial 988.

All parents who experience a child's suicide anguish with the following - "Why did this happen?", "What could have been done differently?", and "Was it preventable?"

Jade's passing has triggered a recognition by her parents that diagnosable, behavioral health disorders for school aged children are real and rampant. Pressures from school, social media, expectations of transitioning into an adult, and personal relationships are difficult. For those suffering from clinical mood disorders, that pressure is unbearable and requires intervention. For a parent, identifying your child's medical issue, listening non-judgmentally, observing daily moods and activities without being intrusive, and proactively getting the medical treatment they need is of paramount importance. Stereotypical teen behavior - inability to get out of bed; substance abuse; sexual promiscuity; lack of motivation and self-esteem; poor school performance; self-harm; eating disorders; and, social isolation - may be signs that your child needs help. It is important not to minimize their needs or shame them.

Suicide is the painful consequence that no parent should have to endure. It is debatable whether suicidal tendencies can be prevented, however, appropriate treatments can reduce the stressors that debilitate patients on a daily basis. In turn, we believe healing and coping can be more manageable, giving the patient a hopeful outlook and a concerted effort for a better outcome.

Studies and statistics reveal that teens and young adults are at risk. Change is desperately needed.

• The United States faces a severe shortage of practicing child and adolescent psychiatrists, with fewer than 17 providers available per 100,000 children. (The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), 2018)
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for teens and young adults. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018)
• Adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old had the highest rate of major depressive episodes (14.4%) followed by young adults 18 to 25 years old (13.8%). (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association, 2018).
• 70.77% of adolescents had severe impairment from depressive episodes. (National Institute of Mental Health, 2017)
• The risk of suicide is about 20 times greater among those diagnosed with major depression in comparison to those without major depression. (American Association of Suicidology, 2009)
• The risk of suicide for bipolar disorder is at least 20 times higher in prevalence compared to the general population (Berk, Scott, Macmillan, Callaly and Christensen, 2013)
• The suicide rate among people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders is 170 times higher than in the general population (The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 2020)
• Reports of suicide attempts among college students increased from 0.7% to 1.8% from 2013 to 2018. (Journal of Adolescent Health, 2019)
• Adolescents aged 12 to 17 had the lowest treatment rate (41.4%) for depression. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association, 2018)
• Sometimes just the thought of getting through the day produces anxiety. People with General Anxiety Disorder don't know how to stop the worry cycle and feel it is beyond their control, even though they usually realize that their anxiety is more intense than the situation warrants. All anxiety disorders may relate to a difficulty tolerating uncertainty and therefore many people with GAD try to plan or control situations. (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2020)

If you are struggling, or would like to learn how to help support someone who is struggling, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health has a list of valuable resources, CLICK HERE

Please reach out for assistance. You are not alone.