Securing guns and meds a vital step to protecting kids
With Southern Nevada children having spent most of the school year at home, the Clark County School District has increased virtual efforts to aid students struggling with anxiety, depression and loneliness.
Parents may feel powerless in keeping their children safe — particularly older kids who spend large amounts of time alone.
One of the most effective ways to protect kids struggling with their mental health and/or experiencing suicidal thoughts is to reduce their access to lethal means. Nearly 72% of people age 13-34 who have attempted suicide contemplated the decision for an hour or less — 24% debated for five minutes or less.
“Acting on thoughts of suicide can be impulsive, especially in youth, so reducing access gives time and space to get help,” says Misty Allen, suicide prevention coordinator at the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services.
“Not everyone experiencing suicidal ideation seeks services, often families intervene as best they can,” said Dr. Stephanie Woodard, senior adviser on behavioral health at the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. “It’s hard to make a home completely suicide safe, but when there’s an indication risk exists, look for opportunities to reduce means as much as possible. Protecting our children isn’t political. It isn’t just about firearms — it’s about medications as well.”
Securing firearms and medications can increase suicide safety. While storing unused medicine in a safe or locking a gun is ideal (and you can receive free gunlocks and safes from the Office of Suicide Prevention), there are other ways to reduce access. Many pharmacies and law enforcement agencies have drop boxes for unused medications. Parents can store ammunition somewhere other than home or use a padlock to prevent the trigger of most guns from cycling. Decreasing access to weapons, medications, drugs and alcohol protects all young people, even those without known suicide risk.
Allen also encourages talking openly with kids. “Connect with your young person — check in early and often. We can assume, during COVID, everyone is under stress. Don’t wait for a crisis. Knowing how to start that conversation makes a difference. If people get help and support after a first attempt, they rarely make a second.” Hope Means Nevada, an organization that raises awareness around mental health and teen suicide, emphasizes paying attention to whether your child is avoiding talking to anyone, being self-destructive, giving away personal belongings, or feeling trapped.
It’s important young people know where to get help if they don’t feel comfortable discussing suicide with parents. “When we call things “crisis support” or “crisis services,” people think that’s more extreme than what they’re experiencing. We need to emphasize that “crisis” is what you define for yourself. In Nevada, we have a lifeline 24/7/365 that offers translation and disability services. It’s called Crisis Support Services of Nevada, but you don’t have to be in crisis to text or call. If you’re feeling isolated, overwhelmed, anxious, scared, or depressed, there’s no qualification to receive support.” If you or a loved one needs to talk, call 800-273-8255 or text CARE to 839863.