Suicide cases have dramatically increased during the pandemic as exacerbated by the challenging circumstances brought about by the pandemic. And at present, the sad reality is that the number of suicide cases has been alarmingly increasing in the previous years. It is vital that we acknowledge this escalating crisis and strive to prioritize mental health support and resources. By addressing the root causes, raising awareness, and fostering a society that values mental well-being, we can work towards reducing these alarming suicide rates and supporting those in need during these challenging times.And since it’s Suicide Awareness Month, we’re going to dive deep into suicide and self-harm to help educate more people particularly about the signs to be aware of.When should we be concerned about self-harm?For around 30 years, I've been supporting kids dealing with self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Throughout those years, I’ve emphasized the importance of addressing these issues effectively. Moreover, what I have noticed is that nobody ever thinks their kid is considering ending their life. However, there are many risk factors or red flags that we just miss.Also, it’s necessary for us to distinguish self-harm from suicide; they are two different things. People with suicidal thoughts contemplate or attempt to end their own life. Most of them struggle with severe emotional pain, mental health issues, or overwhelming life circumstances. On the other hand, self harm involves intentionally causing harm to oneself without the intent to cause death. Common forms of self-harm include cutting, burning, hitting, or any behavior that causes physical harm to oneself. Self-harm involves intentional harmful behaviors like cutting, often distinct from suicidal ideation. Non-suicidal self-injury, also known as deliberate self-harm, is a concerning issue closely related to suicide risk and mental disorders, as highlighted by the World Health Organization. This deliberate self-harm does not involve a direct intention of ending one's life but is often a way for individuals to cope with emotional pain or stress. However, it can escalate to suicide life threat behaviors if left unaddressed, particularly in the case of mental disorders.Youth suicide prevention is a critical component of adolescent mental health, especially in middle-income countries, where mental health services may face significant challenges in accessibility and affordability. The prevalence of self-injurious behavior necessitates a comprehensive approach to mental health support, including education, awareness campaigns, and improved availability of mental health services. Collaboration between governments, communities, and healthcare systems is vital to creating a safety net for those at risk and fostering a society that values mental well-being, ultimately mitigating the alarming trends in deliberate self-harm and suicide.If your child shows signs of depression or self-harm, seek mental health support immediately. Suicidal ideation covers a range of thoughts, from a desire for life to feeling overwhelmed. Any such statement necessitates investigation and mental health assistance. If you're concerned about your child's well-being, reach out to a mental health professional or call the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-5855. Take these matters seriously and prioritize your child's mental health.Risk factors for suicide.Aside from bullying, the most common reason as to why young adults resort to self-harm impulsively is because of a breakup. The emotional toll of a breakup can be overwhelming, leaving individuals grappling with a surge of intense feelings such as sadness, rejection, loneliness, and hopelessness. Because of this, they push themselves towards impulsive actions like self-harm as a way to cope with the emotional pain.It might seem like a way to...