Experts, advocates provide resources to address high rate of suicide among youth, young adults

A new report from the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities reveals that suicide is the second leading cause of death for children ages 10 through 14. Suicide is also the third leading cause of death for Georgians between the ages of 15 and 24. In 2023, at least 249 people under the age of 24 died by suicide in Georgia. On Wednesday, for the “Closer Look” series focusing on National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, show host Rose Scott talked with several guests about the impact of suicide on Georgia’s youth and efforts to spread awareness about prevention and resources.

First, Scott spoke to Dr. Chinwé Williams, a nationally recognized licensed therapist and author of the book, “Calm, Courageous, and Connected Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Emotionally Resilient Children.” Williams talked about the correlation between a child’s mental health and their parents or caregivers. She then addressed what parents can do to best support their children’s mental health.

We then heard from Derrick Matthews, the director of research science for The Trevor Project. Data from The Trevor Project’s 2024 Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People in Georgia found that 38% of LGBTQ+ youth in Georgia seriously considered suicide. This number rises to 42% among transgender and nonbinary individuals. Matthews talked more about the survey and the work of The Trevor Project.