 Youth suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 24 years old. It is a heartbreaking reality that has a devastating impact on families, friends, and communities. In 2020, the suicide rate was four times higher for young males than for young females. Males make up 49% of the population but nearly 80% of suicide according to the CDC. However, there is hope. By being aware of the warning signs and learning how to prevent suicide, we can help save lives. Warning signs of youth suicide. Suicide is frequently preceded by warning signs that we can detect if we pay attention. Some of the warning signs that a young person is having suicidal thoughts are 1. Talking about wanting to kill themselves or being a burden. 2. Feeling trapped and hopeless. 3. Giving away valuable possessions. 4. Expressing feelings of worthlessness or guilt. 5. Changes in behavior, including withdrawal from social activities, irritability, and rage. 6. Sudden changes in eating or sleeping habits. 7. Displaying extreme mood swings. 8. Increased drug or alcohol use. If you observe these symptoms in a young person, it is important to take them seriously. Talk to them about it and seek help right away. We have a greater chance of preventing suicide if we intervene sooner. Preventing youth suicide. To prevent youth suicide, people, families, schools, and communities need to work together. And to help youth in dealing with suicidal thoughts and behavior, a holistic approach works best. Here are some strategies that can help prevent youth suicide. Create a supportive environment. Young people need to feel valued, accepted, and heard in the places they live. Creating a safe and supportive setting for young people can be done by encouraging open communication and building good relationships. Educate yourself and others about suicide prevention. Learning about suicide prevention can help you spot the warning signs and act in the right way. You can also tell other people what you've learned to help raise understanding about how to prevent suicide. Reach out for help. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of killing themselves, get help right away. Help is always available. Speak with someone, or call your local suicide hotline. Encourage professional help. Professional help can make a significant difference in preventing suicide. Encourage young people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts to seek help from a mental health professional. Suicide prevention skills course. The Suicide Prevention Skills course is an online course designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize and respond to suicidal behavior. The course is available on Thuvai Online Learning Portal, a leading provider of mental health resources. The course shows you how to Understand Suicide and Suicidal Behavior What are the warning signs of suicide? How to respond to suicidal behavior? How to support individuals who have attempted suicide or lost someone to suicide? And the key building blocks of resilience that protect young people from suicide. The CDC website also provides a detailed and comprehensive approach to suicide prevention that can decrease the risk of suicide across age groups. Being aware of these procedures, which are evidence-based, can help communities, households, workplaces, and even states prevent suicide. Appropriately safe and supportive environments are needed where our youth can learn to deal with their normal, but at times overwhelming, emotions. And to help them be a better version of themselves as they grow into adulthood. Although our youth is only about 25% of the world's population, they are 100% of our future. So let's work together now to prevent any more needless deaths among our young people.