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March 16, 2023
Title: Helping Those who Self-Harm
Topic: Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
When life gets overwhelming, most of us have healthy outlets for releasing stress. Some, however, may choose to self-harm.
Today, Dr. Joannie DeBrito offers hope and encouragement to those who are self-harming and to the loved ones who are watching them suffer. Dr. DeBrito is a licensed mental health professional with over thirty years of experience. She is the co-founder and creator of
Alive to Thrive, a free online Biblically-based suicide prevention and response program for parents, pastors, teachers, coaches, and other adult influencers
Click here for more information about
Alive to Thrive.
Click here for more information on the 6 Alive to Thrive Modules about preventing suicide and to get a free copy of the eBook.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
What are some healthy outlets for reducing stress? Dr. DeBrito says that the number one way to relieve stress, depression, and anxiety is to get outside! She also suggests parents ask their teen open-ended questions.
What is self-harm? Do some people choose to self-harm as a way of attempting to cope with stress and anxiety? Do those who self-harm feel a “high” similar to taking a drug?
Who is most at risk for self-harming behavior?
What are the signs that someone may be self-harming? Dr. DeBrito discusses some commonsense indicators such as wearing long-sleeve shirts or pants in warm weather and people withdrawing or isolating themselves. However, did you know that self-harm can be contagious like a disease? Listen as she explains…
What should we do if we know someone who is self-harming? For help, contact
Alive to Thrive at 855-771-4357 (M-F 7 am to 9 pm Central) or call the
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Click
here for more resources.
Click
here to support
Focus on the Family, the parent company for Alive to Thrive.
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August 9, 2022
Title: Help and Hope for Depression and Anxiety in Kids and Teens
Topic: Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
According to the CDC, death by suicide is the second leading cause of death in children. A recent
Wall Street Journal
article reports that new studies indicate suicidal thoughts and behavior are drastically increasing for children as young as 10 years old.
Dr. Joannie DeBrito has more than 30 years of diverse experience as a parent educator, family life educator, school social worker, administrator, and licensed mental health professional. Today, Dr. DeBrito discusses the need for more resources for families as they travel the road of depression, anxiety, and suicide. She also discusses risk factors and signs to look for.
Click here for more information about
Alive to Thrive.
Click
here to donate to
Alive to Thrive.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Are more kids depressed and anxious today as compared to 5, 10, or 20 years ago? Dr. DeBrito explains that the medical community is not actually sure if the numbers are higher or if more people are seeking help.
Are teens and children (some as young as 5!) immune from depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and suicide?
What is contributing to our kids being so depressed and anxious? Dr. DeBrito reveals that access to social media and the news via cell phones is a major factor, as well as cyber-bullying, family violence, and parental substance abuse.
Are there recognizable risk factors? Dr. DeBrito explains that most of the time there are signs, but sometimes there are not, discussing “impulsivity and invincibility” in teens.
How can parents help their children?
What is the purpose and mission of Alive to Thrive? Click
here to download your free copy of the
Alive to Thrive e-book.
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July 20, 2022
Title: Help and Hope for Depression and Anxiety in Kids and Teens
Topic: Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
According to the CDC, death by suicide is the second leading cause of death in children. A recent
Wall Street Journal
article reports that new studies indicate suicidal thoughts and behavior are drastically increasing for children as young as 10 years old.
Dr. Joannie DeBrito has more than 30 years of diverse experience as a parent educator, family life educator, school social worker, administrator, and licensed mental health professional. Today, Dr. DeBrito discusses the need for more resources for families as they travel the road of depression, anxiety, and suicide. She also discusses risk factors and signs to look for.
Click here for more information about
Alive to Thrive.
Click
here to donate to
Alive to Thrive.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Are more kids depressed and anxious today as compared to 5, 10, or 20 years ago? Dr. DeBrito explains that the medical community is not actually sure if the numbers are higher or if more people are seeking help.
Are teens and children (some as young as 5!) immune from depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and suicide?
What is contributing to our kids being so depressed and anxious? Dr. DeBrito reveals that access to social media and the news via cell phones is a major factor, as well as cyber-bullying, family violence, and parental substance abuse.
Are there recognizable risk factors? Dr. DeBrito explains that most of the time there are signs, but sometimes there are not, discussing “impulsivity and invincibility” in teens.
How can parents help their children?
What is the purpose and mission of Alive to Thrive? Click
here to download your free copy of the
Alive to Thrive e-book.
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
February 8, 2022
Title: Is Suicide Predicable – Preventable – Treatable – Curable?
Topic: Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Discussed by Dr. Daniel Huerta
with Focus on the Family www.Family.org
Part 1 of 3
Cheslie Kryst, 2019 winner of the Miss USA Pageant, died from suicide recently at the age of 30.
Kryst’s death shines a spotlight on a troubling suicide trend among young adults today. Sadly, suicide is now ranked as the second leading cause of death among 10–34-year-olds.
Danny Huerta is the Vice President of Parenting and Youth at Focus on Family. In response to the current suicide epidemic,
Focus on the Family created
Alive to Thrive, a free online resource for parents and others who regularly interact with youth. The new initiative offers strategies for preventing and responding to suicide.
Click here for more information from
Focus on the Family about suicide. You can also call 1.800.A.FAMILY for help.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
In this segment, Danny Huerta discusses some risk factors and warning signs of teen depression/suicidal thoughts.
Risk Factors:
Previous suicide attempt
Mood disorders
Recipient of bullying
Relationship breakup
Chronic illness
Marijuana use, especially in males
Stress
Knowing another teen who has thought about or committed suicide
Sense of hopelessness, such as their parents divorce or the death of a loved one
Warning signs:
Talk of depression
Shift in personality
Sudden change of interests or hobbies
Not sleeping or sleeping too much
Risk taking
Cutting
Don’t care about life anymore
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Title: Part 2 of 3 - Is Suicide Predicable – Preventable – Treatable – Curable?
Topic: Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Discussed by Dr. Daniel Huerta
with Focus on the Family www.Family.org
Questions/Issues Discussed:
In this segment, Danny Huerta discusses how adults and others can respond
to the warning signs of teen depression/suicidal thoughts.
Why is it important for parents or any other adults to never ignore or dismiss
talk of suicide?
Is it difficult for some families to recognize the warning signs of suicide?
Danny also discusses the importance of strong spiritual, physical, emotional,
and mental health.
Focus on the Family Podcast: Teen Suicide Knowing the Signs
What is Mental Health and Why is it Important for your Family?
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
Title: Part 3 of 3 - Is Suicide Predicable – Preventable – Treatable – Curable?
Topic: Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Discussed by Dr. Daniel Huerta
with Focus on the Family www.Family.org
Questions/Issues Discussed:
IIs suicide predictable? Danny says that this is complicated; in some
cases – yes; in some cases – no.
Is suicide preventable? Danny says the first attempt might not be, but future
attempts can be. Click
here to read more on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale.
Is suicide treatable or curable? Danny says that the more the issue is
addressed, the better the odds are that a person will not attempt suicide in the
future.
Click
here for more information about Alive to Thrive: A Biblical Guide to
Preventing Teen Suicide from Focus on the Family.
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September 29, 2021
Title: Preparing for Suicide Prevention Week
Topic: Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
When someone we love is impacted by suicide, our prayers feel empty, our emotions are intense, and our actions seem insignificant.
Dr. Joannie DeBrito is a licensed clinical social worker and a counselor with
Focus on the Family. Today, Dr. DeBrito offers some helpful tips and suggestions on what we can say to someone who has been impacted by suicide and how we can help.
Click here for more help on this topic from
Focus on the Family.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Why is depression on the rise?
What are some signs of depression? Dr. DeBrito says to watch for personality changes, sudden weight gain/loss, lack of emotion/outrageous emotion, drug/alcohol use, and isolation. She also says that talk of hopelessness is a major indicator of depression.
People who are depressed often feel alone – like they’re the only one feeling this way. Is communication key?
What is the first step to helping someone who is depressed and having suicidal thoughts? How can we have a positive impact?
Call the Focus on the Family Suicide Helpline at 1.855.771.4357 or the
National Suicide Hotline at 1.800.273.8255 if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts.
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September 17, 2020
Title: COVID’s Silent Killer: Suicide
Topic: Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Are you or someone you know suffering from depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts? The COVID lockdown has been especially tough on our kids, teens, and first responders.
Share this segment with Dr. Joannie DeBrito with someone today! Dr. DeBrito is the Director of Parenting and Youth at
Focus on the Family.
Call 855-771-4357 (HELP) for FREE help and advice from Focus on the Family.
For more from Dr. Joannie DeBrito, click
here.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Have suicides and suicidal thoughts increased dramatically during the Coronavirus lockdown?
Why should we all focus on suicide prevention? Dr. DeBrito says that many people are afraid to talk about suicide, but it is very important to bring the topic up, especially if you suspect a friend or loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts.
What may be some early signs of suicide? Are the early signs the same in all age groups?
What are some signs of anxiety and/or depression, but not necessarily suicidal thoughts? Dr. DeBrito discusses sudden weight loss/gain and talk of “doom and gloom”.
What are some steps/action items that we should take if we fear a loved one may be considering suicide?
Is one-on-one connection important, especially during the COVID lockdown?
Some coping tips:
Limit media intake
Stay active and eat healthy.
Connect with others.
Talk about life – NOT Corona-related!
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November 26, 2019
Title: Suicide on the Rise Among Teens AND Kids
Topic: Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Discussed by John Horvat
with Return to Order www.ReturnToOrder.org
Part 1 of 2
Disclaimer: Use caution when listening to this segment around young children. Issues discussed may be upsetting or hard for little ones to understand.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among children and the number of ten-year-old’s killing themselves has tripled in recent years.
John Horvat, author of “Return to Order”, discusses the warning signs in your teen/child.
Keep the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline handy: 1-800-273-8255
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Are five-to-ten-year-old children really killing themselves? Why? How do they even know what suicide is?
What are some other statistics of suicide and attempted suicides among ten to fourteen-year olds?
Can more government programs prevent pre-teen suicides? John Horvat doesn’t believe government is the answer. What does he suggest?
What can parents do to prevent this tragic trend from growing?
What are some of the reasons teens and children are committing suicide?
What are some of the warning signs of depression and suicide parents and others should be looking for in teens and children?
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Title: Parrt 2 of 2 - Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Topic: Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Discussed by John Horvat
with Return to Order www.ReturnToOrder.org
Disclaimer: Use caution when listening to this segment around young children. Issues discussed may be upsetting or hard for little ones to understand.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
What prompted John Horvat to research and write about this issue?
Does our current culture have an influence in these suicides?
Does God have a role in a successful strategy to prevent suicide?
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
December 12, 2007
Title: A Best of: SUICIDE AND SUICIDE PREVENTION
Topic: Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Discussed by Merily Keller
with Mental Health Association in Texas www.mhatexas.org
Learn the myths, facts, risks factors, and more about suicide. What should we know about suicide and suicide prevention? What can I do if someone threatens to commit suicide? To download the suicide prevention toolkit, visit www.mhatexas.org Call one of the following numbers if you or someone you know needs help. Harris County Helpline 713-970-7000 or 1-866-970-4770 or call the Crisis Intervention of Houston at 713-HOTLINE (468-5463). Call the national hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255).
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
Title: A Best of Segment: SUICIDE AND SUICIDE PREVENTION
Topic: Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Discussed by Molly Wilkins
with Harris County Hospital District www.hchdonline.com
What does someone say or do before they try suicide? Is there 24/7 help available? Yes! 1-800-273-Talk (8255). Local helpline numbers for Harris County Helpline 713-970-7000 or 1-866-970-4770 or call the Crisis Intervention of Houston at 713-HOTLINE (468-5463).
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
September 15, 2006
Title: SUICIDE AND SUICIDE PREVENTION
Topic: Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Discussed by Merily Keller
with Mental Health Association in Texas www.mhatexas.org
Learn the myths, facts, risks factors, and more about suicide. What should we know about suicide and suicide prevention? What can I do if someone threatens to commit suicide? To download the suicide prevention toolkit, visit www.mhatexas.org Call one of the following numbers if you or someone you know needs help. Harris County Helpline 713-970-7000 or 1-866-970-4770 or call the Crisis Intervention of Houston at 713-HOTLINE (468-5463). Call the national hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255).
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
Title: SUICIDE AND SUICIDE PREVENTION
Topic: Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Discussed by Molly Wilkins
with Harris County Hospital District www.hchdonline.com
What does someone say or do before they try suicide? Is there 24/7 help available? Yes! 1-800-273-Talk (8255). Local helpline numbers for Harris County Helpline 713-970-7000 or 1-866-970-4770 or call the Crisis Intervention of Houston at 713-HOTLINE (468-5463).
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization