201: The Increase in Covert Teenage Suicide Ideation and Self-injury: Practical Ideas for Changing Dynamics

Summary 

Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among teenagers in the United States. Two decades ago, there were obvious signs pointing to an individual’s suicidal ideation. Today, with the prevalence of social media, suicide and self-injury have become covert struggles, invisible to the untrained eye. In this workshop, Dr. Mark Mayfield will discuss the latest trends in suicide and self-injury in adolescents and explore the new, subtle warning signs of suicide and self-injury. Participants will also evaluate how a theology of suffering can create a more effective theology of care for Christian clients. Dr. Mayfield will also provide practical tools to re-think our crisis response. 

Learning Objectives 

Participants will: 

1. Discuss the current trends that are leading to the increase in suicide and self-injury  
2. Identify the new, subtle warning signs presented by struggling teens  
3. Critique the idea of a theology of suffering so a theology of care can be properly implemented with Christian clients by licensed mental health professionals  
4. Utilize practical tools that can help licensed mental health professionals re-think crisis response