Suicide and self-harm rates are on the rise for kids in Viriginia, even as young as 9 years old.
It’s an issue that has directly impacted Roanoke County Public Schools, as a 10-year-old took her own life just six months ago.
On Monday afternoon, health and school officials held a community meeting to talk about suicide prevention and what factors go into it.
Officials like Karen Garlow, Associate Director of Student Counseling at RCPS, mention many warning signs parents can look out for.
“Whether that be a change in activity level, change in eating habits, a change of sleeping habits, if you notice moodiness, decreased school performance, those are just to name a few,” Garlow said.
Poor mental health and stressful life events can both increase the risk of suicide.
Experts also say that when parents notice these signs, it’s important to have an open and honest conversation with their kids.
School officials stress that families don’t have to face these challenges alone.
“We have life counselors who are licensed mental health clinicians, we have school counselors, we have school psychologists,” Garlow said. “There are lots of people that can give them resources.”
It’s not just parents- students are encouraged to keep an eye out for their friends and remember that there is no shame in talking about mental health.
“We’re trying to decrease stigma because mental health is a big issue,” Garlow said. “We want to make sure that we’re wrapping around our kids and that they have everything that they need.”