Summary
According to current research, teen suicide has become the second leading cause of death in the United States, with warning signs increasingly subtle and often masked by the digital landscape of social media and online interactions. Unlike previous decades, when suicide ideation was more overt, today’s struggles with suicide and self-injury are frequently concealed and more complex. This session, designed for psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, medical personnel, and ministry leaders, will explore the evolving and covert signals associated with teen suicide ideation and self-harm, providing participants with actionable strategies to recognize and respond to these issues effectively with clients. Through the examination of current social and cultural factors contributing to the rise of youth suicide and self-harm, attendees will gain valuable tools to support at-risk adolescent clients. Additionally, focusing on building a compassionate and authentic approach to care will incorporate a theology of suffering, enabling clinicians to offer informed, sensitive emotional support to clients in need.
Learning Objectives
Analyze current social and cultural factors contributing to the rise in youth suicide ideation and self-harm.
Identify new, subtle indicators of distress that often go unnoticed by even the most vigilant caregivers.
Evaluate the concept of a theology of suffering to build a compassionate and authentic approach to care.