RESOURCES
Know the Facts
MYTH:
Talking about suicide with your teen will increase the likelihood of self-harming behavior.
FACT:
Talking with your teen about suicide is statistically likely to decrease their likelihood of committing suicide or self-injury.
“Research has shown this to not be true and, in fact, has shown that asking someone if they are having thoughts of killing themselves is actually more likely to save a life.”
- University of Nevada: Health and Medicine (2021)
MYTH:
Your teen does not want to talk to you about mental health.
FACT:
Teens need reliable sources of information to answer all of their questions about their mental health. Examples of trustworthy sources of information include doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical therapists, school counselors and other mental health professionals!
Know the Facts
“In fact, not talking or writing about suicide allows shame and stigma to creep in. The more suicide is discussed—thoughtfully and using evidence-based guidelines—the more we as a society become skilled in handling these difficult conversations. Effective reporting can increase the likelihood that people will seek help, which is why both the WHO and the CDC have identified responsible reporting as a key tool in preventing suicide.”
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Mental Health (2020)
Know the Facts
MYTH:
Suicide will not affect my loving family.
FACT:
Many mental illnesses are derived from neurochemical imbalances in the brain. Even those raised in loving and supportive households may suffer from Depression and/or suicidality.
“The "chemistry" of depression is not well understood, but researchers do know that an imbalance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters can happen in anyone, even in the absence of an obvious trigger.”
- VeryWellMind (2021)
MYTH:
Medication will significantly alter my child’s personality.
FACT:
Medication is not a one-size-fits-all. It is important to work with a trusted prescriber and let them know about your fears! A great prescriber will listen and work with you to find the right medication and the right dosage that might offer your child alleviation from symptoms of Anxiety/Depression.
“You must be able to trust, confide in and tell your doctor about your health problems, including all symptoms. Your doctor, in turn, should listen to you, give you options and feedback and have your best interest in mind.”
- University of California San Francisco (2022)
Know the Facts
MYTH:
If my teen receives mental health services, they will be keeping secrets from me.
FACT:
Confidentiality in therapy has its bounds. It is imperative that your child has a confidential space to safely process and unpack their feelings, experiences and perceptions. However, if there is a serious or imminent threat, parents will be notified in efforts to keep all parties safe. Safety is the number one priority!
Know the Facts
“There are a handful of exceptions to confidentiality, in which your child’s counselor is required by law to disclose information to other people. These will be discussed with you during your first session, and include the following:
> Suspected child abuse
> Intent to commit suicide
> Intent to commit homicide
> Counselor supervision
> Insurance processing and auditing
> Subpoenas, court orders and police investigations"
- Psychology Today (2019)