by Elisha Suttles, PLMHP
Mental health is a tough topic to discuss with teens, but it is so necessary. Far too many young people are suffering with some form of mental health issues - depression, anxiety, self harm habits and more - and the numbers of teens attempting or completing suicide have more than doubled in the last three years in our city of Omaha alone.
Region 6, a behavioral health organization, offers coping skills and training for teens (15 and older) and those who work with them as a form of suicide prevention. The key factor in preventing suicide is to recognize the signs and offer or refer help to those in need.
On Tuesday, Region 6 will offer a free and public training from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's College of Public Health, near 40th and Dewey Streets, for teens and your youth navigators who want to learn how they can become mental health advocates.
The program, titled QPR, is aimed to help participants better understand the impact suicide in our communities and build skills in connecting with someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. The session will provide food and prizes for participants, however, space is limited to 40 participants so registration is required.
If interested or know someone who might be, please refer them to this registration link: https://forms.office.com/r/EvFLF4x811
Elisha Suttles, a provisional licensed mental health counselor, is the owner of Intentional Healing. She occasionally blogs for Hiya to assist young people on their journey of healing.