TAKE ACTION
SEPTEMBER 2021
Tweens, teens and suicide
The rise in suicide among tweens and teenagers is a disturbing trend. It’s become the second leading cause of death in people ages 10 to 241, ahead of cancer and heart disease. Get the facts and know what you can do to help protect the young people in your life.
Looking for more? Find other articles below
The tween and teen years are a vulnerable time. Everyday stresses — school difficulties, family conflicts, breakups, bullying — make it difficult to cope. They may have trouble seeing the temporary nature of these problems, and suicide can seem like a solution. Understand how to tell if your tween or teen might be suicidal, and know the resources available to help.
How to help
Talk and listen. Feeling connected to family and school is one of the most important things for a younger person’s mental health. An important first step in helping them is to talk and listen. Ask how they are feeling and offer support. Start by saying, “Sometimes people who are struggling may think about suicide. Is this happening with you?” Make sure they know you care.
Engage others for help. If there is a teacher, coach, or staff member at school your child is close to, you may want to have a conversation with them and include your child if possible. You can also contact your family doctor for help and referrals to the right mental health professional(s) near you.
Keep them safe. Be sure to safely store or lock up firearms, alcohol, and medications. Easy access can turn risk into action if a teen is feeling overwhelmed.
Give them a hug. It seems like such a simple thing, but taking the time to hug your child and tell them you’re there for them can help them feel a sense of security.
Did you know? More than 1.8 million LGBTQ young people seriously consider suicide every year in the U.S. To learn more and know how to support an LGBTQ teen, call The Trevor Project’s Lifeline at 866-488-7386.
1The Jason Foundation. Youth suicide statistics. Accessed July 13, 2021.
Resources for you
If you or someone you care about is struggling, help is available.
- To contact Resources For Living® (RFL®)* for free counseling sessions with either a licensed therapist or psychologist, call 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711) or visit Costcobenefits.com.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 741741. You can call or text for someone else who may need immediate help
- Consult with your primary care physician (PCP) for help with medication(s) and mental health care referrals. Don’t have a PCP? Visit Costcobenefits.com and click “Find a Provider” under What If I. You can also visit Aetna.com, or call your Aetna Health Concierge at 800-814-3543 (TTY: 711).
- Rethink provides parenting and family support at no cost. The program can help anyone raising tweens and teens with social, emotional and behavioral challenges — which can sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts. There is no age restriction, requires no diagnosis and is completely confidential. Visit RethinkBenefits.com or call 800-714-9285 to learn more.
*Resources For Living is available to all employees and members of their household, including children up to age 26 living away from home.
If you or someone you care about is struggling, help is available.
- To contact Resources For Living® (RFL®)* for free counseling sessions with either a licensed therapist or psychologist, call 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711) or visit Costcobenefits.com.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 741741. You can call or text for someone else who may need immediate help
- Consult with your primary care physician (PCP) for help with medication(s) and mental health care referrals. Don’t have a PCP? Visit Costcobenefits.com and click “Find a Provider” under What If I. You can also call TeleConsulta available through Triple-S 24/7 at 800-981-3241 to connect with a nurse for immediate attention.
- Rethink provides parenting and family support at no cost. The program can help anyone raising tweens and teens with social, emotional and behavioral challenges — which can sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts. There is no age restriction, requires no diagnosis and is completely confidential. Visit RethinkBenefits.com or call 800-714-9285 to learn more.
*Resources For Living is available to all employees and members of their household, including children up to age 26 living away from home.
If you or someone you care about is struggling, help is available.
- To contact Resources For Living® (RFL®)* for free counseling sessions with either a licensed therapist or psychologist, call 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711) or visit Costcobenefits.com.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 741741. You can call or text for someone else who may need immediate help
- Consult with your primary care physician (PCP) for help with medication(s) and mental health care referrals. Don’t have a PCP? Visit Costcobenefits.com and click “Find a Provider” under What If I. You can also call HMSA Online Care 24/7 at 800-776-4672 to connect with doctors or specialists.
- Rethink provides parenting and family support at no cost. The program can help anyone raising tweens and teens with social, emotional and behavioral challenges — which can sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts. There is no age restriction, requires no diagnosis and is completely confidential. Visit RethinkBenefits.com or call 800-714-9285 to learn more.
*Resources For Living is available to all employees and members of their household, including children up to age 26 living away from home.