YES to YOUTH encourages those in need to use its crisis intervention hotline

THE WOODLANDS, TX - Though we are nearly through the Suicide Awareness Month of September, YES to YOUTH cautions that the risk of someone feeling the need to escape from their troubles in the most severe way possible is a year-round situation. While designating specific months like September as Suicide Awareness Month can help draw attention to the issue and provide a focused opportunity for education and advocacy, it's critical to continue these efforts each day.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2020:

• For middle and high school age youth (ages 12-18), suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death.
• Montgomery County has consistently had the highest suicide rate in the area over the past two decades.

Mental health can affect our youth year-round and requires ongoing attention and support. It has been especially difficult in recent years for youth because of social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The YES to YOUTH crisis intervention staff is available 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, to handle emergency and immediate crisis situations such as suicidal ideation. The 24/7 crisis intervention hotline is 888-756-8682.

YES to YOUTH's professional staff also provides individual and family crisis counseling for individuals and their families. They address many types of mental health issues with youth, like depression and anxiety associated with family conflicts, such as behavior problems, communication, coping with divorce or other loss, parent and child relationships, peer and school problems, roles and expectations, runaway behaviors, truancy, and much more.

So, while September may serve as a reminder and a time for concentrated efforts, it's essential to keep the conversation and action going throughout the entire year to make a lasting impact on suicide prevention and mental health support.