Joshua Straub, Ph.D.
Suicidal behaviors, suicidal ideation, and non-suicidal self-mutilating behaviors (SMB) are issues surrounding today’s adolescents. Today’s youth may engage in SMB to stop bad feelings, feel something (even if it is pain), punish themselves, relieve feelings of numbness or emptiness, feel relaxed, or give themselves something to do when alone. There are risk factors involved in suicidal behaviors and causes/triggers that caregivers need to understand. Caregivers and parents are instrumental in preventing and intervening during a suicidal crisis. Adolescents want to be understood. Connectedness must be built between individuals, within the family, between families and community organizations, and between community organizations and social institutions. Emotional safety is key for an adolescent because a safe relationship equals love minus fear.