Suicide Prevention Resources for Families:

CALL 800-273-TALK (8255), the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

OR CALL 208-398-4357, the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline.

OR TEXT the Crisis Text Line, a free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. TEXT 741741 from anywhere in the USA to text with a trained Crisis Counselor.

CALL THE Idaho Mental Health Services Crisis Line for Children: 208-769-1406

YOU ALSO CAN CALL the Northern Idaho Crisis Center at 208-625-4884. The Crisis Center helps people 18 and older who are having a mental health crisis. The Crisis Center is a joint project between Panhandle Health District, Kootenai Health and Heritage Health. The center is free, safe, private, and voluntary.

Guidance for Families:

If your student exhibits any of the warning signs, don’t be afraid to ask if they have thought about suicide or if someone is hurting them. Raising the issue of suicide does not increase the risk or plant the idea. On the contrary, it creates the opportunity to offer help.

Ask your child if they think any of their friends or classmates exhibit warning signs. Talk with them about how to seek help for their friend or classmate. Guide them on how to respond when they see or hear any of the warning signs.

Listen to your children’s comments without judgment. Doing so requires that you fully concentrate, understand, respond, and then remember what is being said. Put your own agenda aside.

Get help from a school-employed or community-based mental health professional if you are concerned for your child’s safety or the safety of one of their peers.

This can be a difficult time for many students, especially for those who are already at risk of suicide and harmful behaviors. Talk to your child early and often. Learn the warning signs, here: jasonfoundation.com/youth-suicide/warning-signs.