Findings from Our New Report, "The Hidden Crisis: Suicidality in Children as Young as 5"
Little Otter
Mental healthcare designed with families in mind. We are your mental health expert, partner and cheerleader!
Content Warning: This article deals with topics related to suicide. Please take care when reading. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), go to the nearest emergency room, or reach out to one of the following national resources:
As parents, the thought of a child grappling with suicidal thoughts can be terrifying and difficult to comprehend. The notion that children as young as five could be at risk is both alarming and heartbreaking. However, understanding this reality is crucial to providing the support and care that our children need.
Suicidality in Young Children: An Emerging Concern
Recent data from Little Otter, a pediatric and whole-family mental health organization, reveals that suicidal thoughts and behaviors are not limited to teenagers and adults. In The Hidden Crisis: Suicidality in Children as Young as 5, a comprehensive study involving over 1,400 children aged 3 to 14, Little Otter found that young children experience suicidal thoughts at rates comparable to older children and adults. These findings challenge the misconception that suicide is only a concern for teens, highlighting the need for awareness and proactive mental health care for children of all ages.
Key Findings from the Report
领英推荐
What Parents Can Do
Understanding that children can have suicidal thoughts is the first step in addressing this serious issue. Open communication is key—don’t shy away from talking about mental health and suicide with your children. Research shows that talking about suicide does not increase the risk; rather, it can reduce suicidal ideation and be the first step for getting mental health care for your child.
If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Early treatment is crucial and can significantly impact your child’s well-being. Little Otter’s approach, which includes universal screening and evidence-based virtual care, demonstrates that we can successfully identify and treat suicidality in children.
Next Steps
For more detailed information, strategies for prevention, and resources to support your family, we encourage you to download the full report, The Hidden Crisis: Suicidality in Children as Young as 5 . It offers valuable insights and practical tools that can help you safeguard your child’s mental health.
Remember, you are not alone. If your child is in crisis, there are resources available to provide immediate support:
Product leader driving innovation for mission-driven companies with a focus on healthcare.
1 个月Are there any insights you can share about the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire? I'm curious to understand the nuance underlying risk factors for these younger groups. ??