Normalize the Conversation: Raising Awareness on Suicide Prevention Day

Families across the world are raising awareness on Suicide Prevention Day Monday.

This year it's become much more poignant with the recent loss of celebrities like Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. The need to help is becoming more urgent in Connecticut as the state's suicide rate climbs. One of the biggest concerns is children.

“Youth suicide has increased steadily over the past three or four years,” said Dr. Steven Rogers, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

Eight percent of high school students in Connecticut reported attempting suicide. Fifteen percent say they’ve thought about it.

Rogers is boosting awareness of World Suicide Prevention Day. He says it’s time to normalize the conversation.

“We need to get parents and teachers and coaches comfortable asking kids about suicide,” Rogers said. “There’s a myth out there that says if you bring up suicide you may be planting the thought in somebody’s mind and they might be more likely to do it. It’s just the opposite.”

Rogers said if parents are concerned about their children, immediately call 211. It’s the state’s emergency mobile crisis hotline.